French Onion Soup

French onion soup is a comfort food of mine—great on a rainy day, a gloomy day, a sunny day—any kind of day really.  This one is super easy and involves a kitchen staple: The Crockpot.  Yummy caramelized onions in a savory beef/wine broth, this dish is sure to become an easy week-night meal to whip up in your kitchen.  I made the broth extra rich by adding in some cabernet sauvignon wine but any dry red wine would work as well. 

French Onion Soup

 (serves 2)

Ingredients:

1 Medium Yellow Onion

2 TBSP Salted Butter

2 Cups Beef Broth

2 TBSP Fresh Thyme

2 Bay Leaves

¾ Cup Dry Red Wine

½ cup shredded Gruyere Cheese

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Instructions:

1. Slice onion into small semi-circle pieces.
2. In a small sauce pan melt one tablespoon of butter, add onions, top onions with remaining tablespoon of butter, place lid on top and let onions sweat for 15 minutes.
3. While onions sweat, prepare crockpot with 2 cups of beef broth, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, 2 bay leaves and ¾ cup of red wine.
4. Add cooked onions to broth mixture, cover crockpot. 
5. Let cook in crockpot on low for three hours. 
6. Using a ladle, split soup into two oven safe dishes and top with shredded cheese.
7. Place dishes under the broiler on high, watch carefully for the cheese to melt and slightly brown (there may be bubbles, that’s okay!)
8. Remove from oven and let dishes cool.  Serve and Enjoy!

The Crockpot is an easy tool that any chef (even beginners) can use.  Some people feel comfortable letting the crockpot go unattended, but I never leave the house with it on—I recommend you do the same!  If you want to get fancy an alternative to this recipe:

When you’re ready to top the soup with the gruyere cheese, place a toasted piece of sourdough or fresh ciabatta bread on top of the soup first and then top the bread with the cheese.  This will create added texture to the dish and is equally as delicious.  Happy Cooking!