French onion soup can easily be enjoyed at home with just a few pantry staples. Its relatively easy to throw together yet its rich flavours will make you think a French chef spent hours making it for you.
I will say this is easy peasy with a food processor. If you don't have a food processor You can put the onions in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting. this allegedly helps mitigate the tears. Food Processor or Cutting Board and Knife, the goal is the same: Thinly slice the onions.
The Soup
This soup is best made in a Dutch oven. Melt the butter and sauté the onions until browned. This takes about 30 minutes to do. You will want to keep the heat on low - medium while doing this to avoid burning the onions. Be sure to continuously stir. I find a rubber spatula or wooden spoon does a great job here. Add the minced garlic towards the end of the caramelizing process.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine.
Now you will add the red wine, this helps to deglaze the pan. This means you are using the liquid to steam off the brown bits that formed on the bottom of the pan during the caramelization. You want those brown bits - they are flavour bombs!
Now add in the stock and seasonings. Simmer. I like to simmer for about 10 minutes or as long as it takes me to toast the bread crumbs and grate the cheese :)
Cut the bread into 1" cubes. Place on a a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. Leave the oven on after you make your bread crumbs! You will be putting the soup into it soon. While the cubes are toasting, grate the cheese, please.
Divide the soup into four large oven safe bowls. Top with bread crumbs and Cheese. Bake in the 400°F oven for 10 minutes.(cheese should be browned and the soup bubbling once its ready!