FAQs
A few sprigs of thyme and a bay leaf elevate the soup even more, but I take it a step further, adding a splash of fish sauce for complexity and depth—don't worry, it won't taste fishy—and a hit of cider vinegar to balance some of that oniony sweetness.
What's the difference between French onion soup and onion soup? ›
What is the Difference Between Onion Soup and French Onion Soup? French onion soup is always made with beef stock. Other onion soups can be made with chicken, vegetable, or beef stock. Additionally, French onion soup typically contains wine or sherry, which isn't typical or necessary in other onion soups.
What broth is French onion soup made of? ›
This soup traditionally is made with beef stock, though sometimes a good beef stock can be hard to come by and expensive to make. If you use boxed stock, taste it first! If you don't like the taste, don't use it. (If you cook a lot of beef or beef roasts, save the scraps and freeze them to make a stock with later.)
Why is French onion soup famous? ›
The classic French onion soup gets its name from its country of origin: France. After making its debut in the 18th century, it has become a national treasure. During ancient times (and still today), onions were cheap and easy to grow, and hence, readily available.
Why does my French onion soup taste bland? ›
If you don't add enough salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices, the soup may taste bland.
How do you get the bitterness out of onion soup? ›
I find adding even a little bit of butter goes a long way in improving taste. Add a couple of bay leaves and some black pepper, and stir over medium heat.
How caramelized should onions be for French onion soup? ›
The key to good French onion soup is to cook the onions so long that they threaten to melt into a viscous, dark brown paste, à la Marmite. As has already been extensively reported in Slate, there are no shortcuts when you're caramelizing onions; it always takes at least an hour, usually longer.
Should French onion soup be thick or thin? ›
Made slightly thicker than most watered down soups because every mouthful NEEDS a slightly thickened texture to compliment the caramelized onions.
Do people in France eat French onion soup? ›
It has even become a trendy dish that tourists are eager to try to experience French gastronomy. However, onion soup is in fact not part of French people's daily meals. It was originally meant to be eaten after a family reunion in the middle of the night to cure hangovers…
What ethnicity is French onion soup? ›
French onion soup
Alternative names | Soupe à l'oignon |
---|
Course | Starter (entrée) |
Place of origin | France |
Serving temperature | Hot |
Main ingredients | Onions, beef or chicken stock or water, croutons, grated cheese |
2 more rows
Sweet caramelized onions in a savory broth with a sherry wine vinegar gastrique, sea salt, topped with cheese and black pepper and sea salt croutons.
What is the bowl called for French onion soup? ›
French onion soup is traditionally served in lionhead bowls, which are deep but not very wide porcelain bowls. Here are four reasons why these bowls are perfect: Plenty of soup. Even as the bread on top starts to soak up some of the soup, there's still plenty left underneath.
How do you eat French onion soup in public? ›
With such a soup, a knife is your friend, not your enemy. Using both the soup spoon and the knife, push the baked cheese against the rim of the cup or bowl and cut it gently with the knife. Once you've broken the cheese barrier, you can use the knife again to nudge bits of cheese onto the spoon.
Is French onion soup good or bad for you? ›
Well, you'll be pleased to know that french onion soup is, in fact, a highly nutritious choice.
How to enhance French onion soup? ›
Seasoning: Thyme, bay leaf, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce are used to give the soup even more flavor. Bread: French Onion Soup is traditionally topped with a thick slice of bread that soaks up all that delicious broth. We used French bread, but you can use any hearty, crusty bread.
How to make French onion soup less bland? ›
- Start by reducing the broth.
- Simmering out some water will intensify the flavor of the broth. Once you get it to the right point, add some salt.
- A shot of brandy at the end helps too.
How to doctor up canned French onion soup? ›
Infusing the soup with a richer taste is as easy as quickly sauteing crushed garlic before pouring the soup in. Some soft, buttery garlic sauteed in earthy olive oil is the perfect addition to enrich canned French onion soup.
How do you add depth of flavor to soup? ›
"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says. The choice of ingredient depends on the recipe, though.
How do you make soup taste stronger? ›
Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples
Add a splash of vinegar (any kind!), or a squeeze of citrus. Chances are, you could use a little more salt. Go ahead—it's ok. Salt perks up flat flavors and helps balance out bitter-tasting ingredients.