Indulge in the timeless allure of French cuisine with our classic French Onion Soup, or as the French call it, "Soupe à l'oignon." Crafted with care and tradition, this soul-warming dish encapsulates the essence of French culinary heritage. Slowly caramelized onions mingle with rich beef broth, infused with aromatic herbs and a hint of brandy, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate with each spoonful. Topped with crusty baguette slices and golden melted Gruyère cheese, every bite is a journey through the streets of Paris. Whether enjoyed as a comforting appetizer or a hearty meal, our French Onion Soup promises to elevate your dining experience to new heights. Bon appétit!

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Baguette, sliced
• Gruyère cheese, grated
• Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.

2- Stir in the minced garlic and sugar, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.

4- Gradually pour in the beef broth and white wine (if using), stirring constantly to incorporate. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5- While the soup is simmering, preheat the broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until lightly golden on both sides.

6- Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a few slices of toasted baguette and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese.

7- Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.

8- Carefully remove the bowls from the oven, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Enjoy your authentic French Onion Soup!

Nutritional Values :

Onions (4 large onions):

• Calories: 208
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0.8g

benefits: Onions are rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and B, which may help boost immunity, support heart health, and promote healthy digestion.

Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons):

• Calories: 408
• Fat: 46g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0.5g

benefits: Butter contains essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. It provides energy and helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 239
• Fat: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation. It also contains antioxidants that may have anti-cancer properties.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 1.8g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0.1g

benefits: Garlic has antimicrobial properties and contains compounds like allicin, which may help lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure, and boost the immune system.

All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 58
• Carbohydrates: 12.6g
• Protein: 1.6g
• Fat: 0.2g

benefits: Flour provides carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy. It also contains some protein and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Beef Broth (6 cups):

• Calories: 150
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 3g

benefits: Beef broth is rich in protein, collagen, and minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can support bone health and muscle function. It may also help improve gut health and immunity.

Dry White Wine (1/2 cup) - optional:

• Calories: 121
• Carbohydrates: 3.8g
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: White wine adds flavor to the soup and contains antioxidants like resveratrol, which may have heart-protective effects when consumed in moderation.

Baguette (sliced, 1 small baguette):

• Calories: 430
• Carbohydrates: 86g
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 2g

benefits: Baguette provides carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of protein. It also contains some vitamins and minerals, depending on the type of flour used.

Gruyère Cheese (grated, 1 cup):

• Calories: 450
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 36g

benefits: Gruyère cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for bone health and muscle function. It also provides vitamins like vitamin A and B12. However, it is high in saturated fat and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands, variations in ingredients, and cooking methods. Additionally, the nutritional values provided here are for the main ingredients and do not include garnishes or additional toppings.