This savory browned onion and crouton soup is a testament to the magic that simple ingredients can achieve when treated with care and patience. Inspired by the heartfelt scenes of culinary dedication, this recipe transforms humble onions into a luxurious base, creating a soup that’s both elegant and deeply satisfying. Perfect for chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a hearty, flavorful meal, this soup promises to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
With its balanced blend of sweet and savory notes, this soup is easy to prepare yet delivers impressive results that will delight both family and guests alike. The addition of homemade croutons adds an irresistible texture contrast, making each bite a delightful experience. Embrace the art of slow-cooked onions and let this soup elevate your dining table with its inviting aroma and exquisite taste.
Ingredients For savory browned onion and crouton soup
THE ONIONS
- 2 large yellow onions (about 500 grams)
- 4-6 tablespoons sweet butter, unsalted (about 60-90 grams)
- 1-2 pinches kosher salt, finely ground (to taste)
THE SOUP BASE
- 3 cups beef stock, not broth (about 720 milliliters)
- 4 sprigs fresh parsley
- 3 large dried bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped (about 100 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (about 1 gram)
THE CROUTONS
- 2-3 slices French bread (about 100 grams)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (about 45 milliliters)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Ground cumin, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional, for garnish)
How To Make savory browned onion and crouton soup
- Prepare the Onions: Start by selecting two large yellow onions. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, thinly slice the onions to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Onions: In a large sauté pan or skillet, melt the sweet butter over low heat. Once melted, add the sliced onions along with a pinch or two of kosher salt. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, until they achieve a deep golden brown color without becoming caramelized. This process should take about 2 hours, allowing the onions to develop rich, sweet flavors.
- Prepare the Soup Base: While the onions are browning, gather all your soup base ingredients. In a large soup pot, combine the beef stock, fresh parsley sprigs, dried bay leaves, fresh thyme sprigs, chopped celery, and fennel seeds.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and let it cook for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Croutons: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the middle of the oven. Cut the French bread into medium-sized cubes. In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, ground cumin, and garlic powder until they are evenly coated. Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the croutons are crispy and golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Assemble the Soup: Once the onions have achieved the desired browning, add them to the simmering soup base. Allow the mixture to continue simmering for an additional 4-5 minutes to fully integrate the flavors.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
- Serve the Soup: Ladle the hot soup into two bowls. Top each bowl generously with the freshly baked croutons. For an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of sweet onions, savory broth, and crunchy croutons.
As you savor each spoonful of this savory browned onion and crouton soup, appreciate the depth of flavor that slow-cooked onions bring to the table. The rich, mellow sweetness of the onions perfectly complements the robust beef stock, creating a balanced and hearty base. The homemade croutons add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the soup, while the aromatic herbs infuse every bite with freshness and complexity. This soup not only warms you from the inside out but also offers a touch of elegance and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on a quiet evening or served to impressed guests, this soup is a testament to the beauty of simple, well-crafted ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Relish the comforting flavors and the love poured into each step of its creation. Enjoy!
