French onion soup is a savory, comforting dish that has been around for centuries. Made with caramelized onions, broth, and typically topped with cheese and bread, this soup is both delicious and filling. At only 80 calories per cup (245 g), it can also be a healthy meal option.

Beyond its taste and filling nature, French onion soup also has a number of nutritional benefits. Onions are rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and B, while the broth provides important minerals like potassium and calcium. Plus, depending on the cheese used, French onion soup can be a good source of protein and calcium.

If you're looking to make French onion soup at home, there are a few things you should know. From choosing the right onions to selecting the best cheese and bread for the top, we'll cover all of the tips and tricks you need to make a delicious soup from scratch.

What Is French Onion Soup?

French onion soup is a hearty soup made with a base of caramelized onions and beef or chicken broth. It's typically served in a crock or bowl with a slice of bread and grated Gruyere cheese on top, and then baked or broiled in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The origins of French onion soup are somewhat murky, but it's believed that the dish has been around since at least the 18th century. It may have originally been made as a way to use up leftover ingredients, or as a cheap, filling meal for workers. Today, French onion soup is a classic dish that can be found in many restaurants around the world. While there are many variations on the recipe, the basic ingredients and preparation remain the same.

The Nutritional Value of French Onion Soup

One cup (245 g) of French onion soup contains approximately 80 calories, 5 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fat. It also provides a range of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. To make your French onion soup even healthier, try using a low-sodium broth and reducing the amount of cheese or bread that you use. You could also add some extra veggies, like carrots or celery, to increase the nutritional value of the soup. Overall, French onion soup can be a healthy meal option that's both filling and delicious.

How to Make French Onion Soup From Scratch

To make French onion soup from scratch, you'll need to start by caramelizing your onions. This involves cooking sliced onions over low heat for a long period of time, until they are browned and sweet. Next, you'll add your broth and any additional seasonings or herbs, and let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes. When it comes to topping your soup, Gruyere cheese is the traditional choice. However, you could also use other cheeses like Swiss or Parmesan, depending on your personal preference. For the bread topping, a crusty baguette works well, but you could also use sourdough or another bread that you like. With a little practice and patience, making French onion soup from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience.

The Best Type of Cheese for French Onion Soup

Gruyere cheese is the traditional choice for topping French onion soup, and it's easy to see why. The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of the cheese pairs perfectly with the savory broth and caramelized onions. However, if you're not a fan of Gruyere, there are plenty of other cheeses that work well with French onion soup. Some other options to consider include Swiss, Parmesan, or even cheddar. When selecting your cheese, be sure to choose a variety that melts easily and has a strong flavor. You could also try mixing different cheeses together to create a unique flavor profile. Overall, the best type of cheese for French onion soup is the one that you enjoy the most!

Healthy Tips for Eating French Onion Soup

One of the easiest ways to make French onion soup healthier is to use a low-sodium broth. This will help reduce the amount of salt in the soup, which can be a concern for those with high blood pressure or other health conditions. Another way to make your French onion soup healthier is to reduce the amount of cheese or bread that you use as a topping. While these ingredients are delicious, they can be high in calories and fat. You could also try using a low-fat cheese or a whole-grain bread to boost the nutritional value of your soup. Finally, be sure to watch your portion size when enjoying French onion soup. One cup (245 g) is a reasonable serving size, but it's easy to get carried away with such a delicious dish. By being mindful of what you're eating, you can enjoy French onion soup without sacrificing your health.

The Origin and History of French Onion Soup

French onion soup has been around in some form since at least the 18th century, and it's believed to have originated in rural France. The soup may have originally been made with leftover ingredients or as a cheap, filling meal for workers. However, there are also a number of legends surrounding the origins of French onion soup. One story goes that King Louis XV and his hunting party were caught in a storm and forced to seek shelter in a local farmhouse. The farmer's wife had little to offer, so she made them a soup from onions, wine, and stale bread. The king loved the soup so much that he brought the recipe back to Versailles. Whatever its true origin, French onion soup has become a beloved dish around the world, with many variations on the recipe.

Vegan and Vegetarian Options for French Onion Soup

To make a vegan or vegetarian version of French onion soup, you'll need to start by using a vegetable broth or water as your base. You could also add some extra celery, carrots, or other veggies to boost the flavor of the soup. When it comes to the topping, there are a number of vegan and vegetarian cheese options available. Some brands make dairy-free cheese that melts just like the real thing, while others use nuts or soy to create a cheesy flavor. Here's a simple recipe for vegan French onion soup: Saute 3-4 chopped onions in a large pot with some olive oil and a pinch of salt until browned and caramelized. Add 6 cups of vegetable broth and 1/2 cup of red wine, along with any herbs or spices you like. Let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes, then ladle into bowls and top with vegan cheese and crusty bread.

Creative Ways to Serve French Onion Soup

One fun way to serve French onion soup is to make individual servings in small crocks or ramekins. This not only looks cute, but it also allows each person to have their own personal portion of cheese and bread. Another idea is to serve French onion soup as a main course rather than a starter. You could add some extra veggies or meat to the soup to make it more filling, or serve it with a side salad or crusty bread. Finally, you could try experimenting with different topping options to create a unique flavor profile. For example, you could top your soup with croutons instead of bread, or use a different type of cheese like blue cheese or feta.

Pairing French Onion Soup with Wine

One classic pairing for French onion soup is a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The crisp acidity of the wine pairs well with the savory broth and cheese in the soup. However, if you prefer red wine, you could try pairing your soup with a light-bodied, fruity red like Pinot Noir or Grenache. These wines won't overwhelm the soup with tannins, but will still provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors in the soup. Overall, the best wine to pair with French onion soup is one that you enjoy drinking! Don't be afraid to experiment and try different combinations to find what works best for you.

Famous French Onion Soup Recipes to Try

One popular recipe is Julia Child's French onion soup, which includes both beef broth and chicken broth for a rich, savory flavor. Another option is Alton Brown's French onion soup, which uses red wine and thyme to add extra depth of flavor. For a lighter take on French onion soup, try Ina Garten's recipe, which uses turkey stock instead of beef or chicken broth. Or, for a vegetarian option, try Bobby Flay's recipe, which features a homemade vegetable broth and a topping of blue cheese instead of Gruyere. Whatever your taste preferences, there's sure to be a French onion soup recipe out there that you'll love!