French onion soup

What is French onion soup?

French onion soup is a savory soup where onions are gently cooked until golden, then simmered in beef or chicken stock, or sometimes water. The dish is topped with slices of bread or croutons and finished with a layer of cheese, typically Gruyère, Comté, or Emmental, which is melted and browned. The result is a rich, warming soup with soft onions, a flavorful broth, and a cheesy, crusty top.

Where does French onion soup come from?

Onion soups have a long history in France, with versions eaten for centuries. Onions were a staple for many, being cheap and widely available, so the soup was often seen as humble food. By the mid-1800s, the style now recognized as French onion soup—with cheese and bread browned on top—became popular in Paris, especially around the Les Halles market. Earlier recipes from the 17th and 18th centuries did not include cheese or gratinating.

How is French onion soup made?

To prepare French onion soup, onions are sliced and slowly cooked in butter or oil until soft and caramelized. The onions are then simmered in beef, chicken, or veal stock, though some recipes use water. Alcohol such as white wine, cider, or brandy may be added for extra flavor. The soup is poured into bowls, topped with bread and grated cheese, then placed under a grill to brown the cheese.

How and when is French onion soup eaten?

This soup is usually served hot as a starter at lunch or dinner. It is common in French restaurants and cafés, where it may be eaten as a comforting meal, especially in colder weather. The bread and cheese topping makes it filling, and it is often enjoyed on its own or with a simple salad. In some places, it has been served late at night to people finishing an evening out.

Kinds of French onion soup

Several French regions have their own takes on onion soup. The gratinée lyonnaise from Lyon is a richer version with wine, eggs, and cheese. Tourin Bordelais uses lard for cooking the onions and adds egg yolks at the end. Velouté Soubise blends puréed onions with veal stock, cream, and egg yolks, served with croutons. Some British versions use milk or water thickened with flour, without cheese or gratinating.

What French onion soup means

French onion soup is a symbol of French comfort food and is closely tied to the country’s café culture. In the 19th century, a Parisian dining club centered its gatherings around the soup. The dish is not tied to any particular holiday or religious event, but it is a familiar sight in French restaurants and has become popular abroad, especially in the United States.

Questions people ask about French onion soup

Good reading and sources

• How to cook perfect french onion soupThe Guardian, Article

• French onion soup on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data