French Onion Soup

Show: Barefoot ContessaEpisode: Back from the Beach

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (80)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(80)

Cook Time:
1 hr 0 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
4 to 6 servings

Times:

Prep: 10 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 1 hr 0 min
Total:: 1 hr 10 min

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2 1/2 pounds yellow onions, halved, and sliced 1/4-inch thick (8 cups)

1/4 pound unsalted butter

1 bay leaf

1/2 cup medium-dry sherry

1/2 cup brandy or Cognac

1 1/2 cups good dry white wine

4 cups beef stock

4 cups veal stock

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper

Freshly grated Parmesan

In a large stockpot on medium-high heat, saute the onions with the butter and bay leaf for 20 minutes, until the onions turn a rich golden brown color. Deglaze the pan with the sherry and brandy and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Add the white wine and simmer uncovered for 15 more minutes.

Add the beef and veal stocks plus salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaf, taste for salt and pepper, and serve hot with grated Parmesan.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe French Onion Soup
Colleen Plymouth, MI 11-17-2009
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Luxurious Soup
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I've made several different onion soups, and this is in the top 3. The sherry, brandy, and wine make the broth something... very special. I used a mix of leeks, sweet onions, red onions, shallots and garlic, with beef broth and chicken broth. I think you could use any kind of onions, and substitute chicken or more beef broth (I couldn't find veal stock either), but you'll miss the rich flavor that distinguishes this recipe from others if you skip the alcoholic additions. I also had some trouble getting the onions to carmelize. I used an enamel coated cast iron dutch oven, and there was a lot of carmelization at the bottom of the pot , but the onions never really turned brown. When I deglazed, though, I got all that lovely brown from the bottom of the pot, which got the same taste result. Next time, I'll add some fresh thyme branches. I loved this soup and will make it again and again. Read more
recipe French Onion Soup
Krystle LITTLE FERRY , NJ 11-10-2009
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the best soup ever! amazing
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

i just finished eating this soup i just made. it was amazing .. and i have had my share of french onion soups and by far the... best or one of the best ive had.. and it makes me soo happy I MADE I!! i changed it a little bt i used madiera wine instead of the sherry wine and added a lit bit more then it requires... and i used all beef stock ..i couldnt find veal... but still very good.. this is a must make soup!Read more
recipe French Onion Soup
Jaime Clarksboro, NJ 11-02-2009
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Better than restaurants....
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Unbelievable!!!! I used chicken broth instead of sherry and red wine instead of brandy. I don't know where to find veal... broth, so I used beef stock and beef broth. I also added one garlic clove to the sauteeing onions. I added stale Itallian bread and a combo of parm and mozz cheeses in the broiler till melted. Even with the substitutions, it was some of the best soup i've ever made. Will be a new staple in our house, Thanks Ida!!Read more
recipe French Onion Soup
Kim Endicott, NY 10-11-2009
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Absolutely delicious!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made this soup for a very large crowd and had to double the recipie, so I made it the day before and heated it up the next... day. Wow! you would have thought I gave each guest a million dollars! I even recieved two marriage proposals! The soup was rich and satisfying with so many flavors!. I was a little hesitant with the amount of alcohol required but all are necessary for the deep flavor. The only problem I came across by doubling the recipie is that I tried to brown all 5 lbs of onion in one big pot. Although they cooked down to be nice and creamy, they never did brown. In my opinion, I don't feel it detracted from the soup. Next time I double the recipie, I will brown the onions in 2 batches, even though this will increase the prep time. This was very easy to make and from now on, I will ONLY make this recipie!Read more
recipe French Onion Soup
Susan Dearborn Heights, MI 09-28-2009
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Some minor differences but WOW!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I substituted Madiera wine for the sherry, and chicken broth for the veal broth (couldn't find it like other reviewers).... Otherwise the recipe was as written. I made sure the broth I used was stock with NO msg...I think that made a difference so it wasn't too salty...just right! It was thinner broth than I anticipated, this recipe being without flour, but once you put a slice of toasted french bread with melted guyere cheese on it, who cares? The broth was savory, onion sweet, with a complexity I wouldn't have thought. I will make this one again and again, and I always thought that french onion soup was too beefy and too salty! No longer!! My friend tried it and said it was better than any restaurant soup she's had, and I agree!Read more
recipe French Onion Soup
maryanne king of prussia, PA 09-26-2009
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Best French Onion Soup!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

After reading all the French Onion Soup recipes I choose this one. The brandy and sherry gave this soup rich complexity and... the veal/ beef stock combo was right on!Read more