Indulge in Comfort: French Onion & Pasta Soup
Get ready to elevate your soup game with this exquisite French Onion & Pasta Soup recipe. Combining the rich flavors of caramelized onions, aromatic garlic, and hearty pasta in a savory beef broth, this soup is a comforting delight that’s perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. With its simple yet sophisticated ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this soup will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef stock
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese (optional for serving)
Instructions:
- Caramelize Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Deglaze Pot: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- Add Stock and Seasonings: Pour in the beef stock, then add the fresh thyme leaves, bay leaf, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the ditalini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Soup and Pasta: Once the soup is ready, add the cooked ditalini pasta to the pot and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Ladle the French Onion & Pasta Soup into bowls and garnish with grated Gruyère cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of this soup, use vegetable broth instead of beef stock and omit the Gruyère cheese or use a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
- Add Protein: Enhance the soup with added protein by stirring in cooked shredded chicken, beef, or even beans.
- Crouton Topping: Instead of grated cheese, top each bowl of soup with homemade or store-bought garlic croutons for added crunch and flavor.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use red wine instead of white wine? A: While white wine is traditionally used in French onion soup for its lighter flavor, you can certainly use red wine if that’s what you have on hand. It will impart a richer, deeper flavor to the soup.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover French Onion & Pasta Soup for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Keto Version:
To make a keto-friendly version of this soup, omit the pasta and use low-carb vegetable substitutes such as cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. Be sure to use a dry white wine that is keto-friendly and avoid adding any additional sugar to the recipe.
Low-Carb Version:
For a lower-carb version, reduce the amount of pasta or use a low-carb pasta alternative such as shirataki noodles or konjac noodles. You can also use a combination of beef and chicken broth for a lighter option.
In conclusion, this French Onion & Pasta Soup is a delightful fusion of comforting flavors and textures that’s sure to warm your soul. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main course, this soup is a satisfying meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. With its versatility and rich taste, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen for years to come. So gather your ingredients, simmer up a pot of soup, and indulge in the cozy goodness of French Onion & Pasta Soup!
