Indulge in the timeless elegance of French onion soup without sacrificing precious time. Mary Berry, the queen of culinary simplicity, has crafted a recipe that delivers a bowl of this classic comfort food in just an hour. Forget the hours of simmering; her recipe utilizes smart techniques to achieve those iconic caramelized onions and a rich, savory broth, all in a fraction of the time.
This recipe, endorsed by BBC Good Food and garnering a perfect five-star rating from their users, promises a truly satisfying experience. Imagine golden-brown, caramelized onions swimming in a robust beef stock, topped with cheesy mustard croutons. Every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness.
Mary Berry’s Easy French Onion Soup Recipe
Preparation Time:
Less than 30 minutesCooking Time:
30 minutes to 1 hourServings:
Six peopleIngredients:
For the Soup:
* 50g/1 3/4oz butter
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 6 large white onions, thinly sliced
* 1 1/2 tbsp caster sugar
* 200ml/7fl oz white wine
* 2 liters/3 1/2 pints good rich beef stock
* 3 bay leaves
* Sprig of rosemary
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Cheese Mustard Croutons:
* 1/2 thin baguette
* Dijon mustard
* 25g/1oz Gruyère cheese, grated
Instructions:
The Soup:
1. Melt the butter and olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until softened and golden brown.
2. Stir in the sugar and continue cooking for 5-10 minutes until the onions are well caramelized.
3. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
4. Add the beef stock, bay leaves, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the bay leaves and rosemary before serving.
The Cheese Mustard Croutons:
1. Slice the baguette into thick rounds. Spread each slice with Dijon mustard and top with grated Gruyère cheese.
2. Toast the croutons under a medium grill until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serving:
1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a cheese mustard crouton and serve immediately.
Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of Mary Berry’s French onion soup – a classic dish made simple and delicious. It’s a perfect recipe for a cozy night in, a hearty lunch, or a delightful dinner party.
Tips:
* To achieve perfectly caramelized onions, ensure they are cooked over a medium heat and stirred regularly to prevent burning.
* You can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of dry sherry or even apple juice for a slightly sweeter flavor.
* Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for the croutons. Cheddar, Emmental, or even a combination would work beautifully.
* For a more intense flavor, use homemade beef stock.
This recipe offers a delightful blend of simplicity and sophistication, making it a crowd-pleaser any time of year. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and get ready to experience the magic of Mary Berry’s French onion soup – a taste of comfort and indulgence in every spoonful.
