Valentine’s Day French Onion Soup

Deliciously simple: simply delicious.

My late wife Kathy requested French Onion Soup for Valentine’s Day for more than 40 years. It was what I made for her the first date we had. Why mess with a good thing? The soup can be made in a variety of ways. My favourite variation is enhanced with dry apple cider. Give this one a try.

Onions are one of the vegetables that last all year long. Spanish onions are my go-to for this soup but use the onions you have. My French onion soup is simple to make and delicious to eat. It bakes up like a hug in a bowl. A worthy Valentine’s celebration.

Tools and Equipment

• • • Cutting board
    • Sharp chef/kitchen knife
    • Wooden spoon
    • Cheese grater
    • Oven with broiler
    • French onion soup bowls or 10-ounce ramekins
    • Baking sheet (to catch bubbling cheese)

Ingredients

• • • 1 Spanish onion peeled and sliced medium to fine.
    • 2 Tbsp butter, plus some to butter the bread.
    • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour.
    • 1 Can (355ml) of dry apple cider (You can use red or white wine or even your favourite lager to make this soup but make it with cider first; the bit of sweet apple goes perfectly with the onion and melted cheese).
    • 1 Can of beef consommé (You can make your own beef soup stock if you are so inclined).
    • ½ Cup of 35% cream.
    • Sliced bread for croutons.
    • Mixed herbs for topping (Italian seasoning, herbs de Provence, or Silk Road’s all-purpose blend) work well.
    • 200 Grams Emmenthal cheese shredded (can substitute with mozzarella or other favourite melting cheese).

Method

1. 1. 1. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
      2. Butter the bread for croutons, top with herbs, and bake until lightly browned and crispy. (I did this step in the air fryer.)

1. 1. 3. When the bread is lightly browned, remove to a rack to cool.
      4. Melt two tablespoons of butter in a saucepan.

1. 1. 5. Add the sliced onion and stir over medium heat until the onions are transparent and caramelized.
      6. Add the flour and stir well to incorporate the butter.
      7. Cook for five minutes stirring every minute.
      8. Add the apple cider and stir well to combine with the flour and remove any lumps. (The cider will bubble up furiously, so proceed with caution.)
      9. Add the consommé. Stir well into a smooth soup.
      10. Bring to a boil.
      11. Add the cream and simmer for 15 minutes.

1. 1. 12. Add a squirt of Sriracha Hot sauce for a bit of kick (Proceed with caution here or leave it out—your choice).
      13. Taste the soup, add salt if required.
      14. Adjust the oven rack so the soup is near the broiler burner for maximum browning.
      15. Turn on the oven broiler to high.

1. 1. 16. Portion soup into bowls or ramekins, place bowls on a baking sheet.
      17. Top with croutons and cheese.
      18. Bake under the broiler until the cheese is well browned and fully melted.
      19. Serve and enjoy.

Hold hands while you share this bowl of soup with your favourite person in the world. Happy Valentine’s Day.