Delightful Onion Soup from Annija's Kitchen

This onion soup recipe provides a heartwarming and flavorful experience, blending rich ingredients to create a comforting dish. With its savory and slightly sweet profile, it's a perfect meal for any season. The base of the soup is a robust turkey broth, offering a substantial and earthy note. Slow-cooked onions contribute a caramelized sweetness that complements the subtle heat from chili and garlic. The optional addition of hard cheese, such as Gruyère or Parmesan, adds a creamy depth and enhances the overall savoriness. Toasted bread croutons offer a delightful crunch, making it a textural masterpiece. This soup is versatile and can be adjusted for various dietary preferences. Whether served as a main dish or a starter, it's sure to impress your guests. Try it with a sprinkle of curry or turmeric for added color and flavor. The preparation is straightforward but requires patience to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 kg onions
• 25 g butter
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 1 chili pepper
• Turkey meat with bone (or other meat of choice)
• 2 tsp potato starch
• 1 carrot
• 1 onion for broth
• White bread croutons
• Hard cheese, such as Gruyère or Parmesan

Optional Ingredients

• Herbs for decoration
• A pinch of curry or turmeric for color

Preparation Time

Total time: 240 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by cooking the turkey with the bone, a whole carrot, and a whole onion in a large pot. Simmer for about 2 hours, aiming to yield approximately 2.5 liters of broth.
2. In a separate pan, melt and heat butter. Add chopped garlic and chili pepper (fresh or pickled), optionally with a few sage leaves and a sprig of thyme. Sauté until the garlic begins to change color.
3. Slice the onions into half rings and add them to the pan. Sauté on low heat for 1.5 hours, allowing the onions to release their natural sweetness.
4. Once the onions become translucent and the liquid in the pan turns a yellowish-white, transfer them to the prepared broth. Remove the turkey, carrot, and onion before adding the sautéed onions.
5. If you desire a thicker consistency, dissolve 2 generous tablespoons of potato starch in 100ml of water and slowly stir into the soup.
6. After integration, consider various ways to serve the soup. You can add chunks of turkey meat—either boiled or fried—for an enhanced protein boost.
7. For a cheese variation, pour the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated hard cheese, like Gruyère. Toast in the oven for 10 minutes and serve with croutons.
8. For cheese crust croutons, sprinkle grated cheese on croutons and melt under the grill before adding to the soup.
9. A quicker method involves simply adding grated cheese and croutons directly to the bowl before serving.
10. If preferred, replace hard cheese with cream cheese for a softer texture and flavor.

Tips

• ***The slow cooking of onions is key*** to unlocking their sweet and rich flavors.
• Turkey can be substituted with chicken or beef depending on preference.
• Customize with your choice of herbs to enhance the aroma and taste.

Nutrition

Optional section based on ingredient selection.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace turkey broth with vegetable stock, and omit meat.
• Spicy: Increase chili pepper quantity or add cayenne for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Pair with a chilled white wine to balance the soup's richness.

Best Places

• Les Halles Bistrot - A charming bistro known for its superb French onion soup. Location: 15 Rue de la Bastille, Paris, France.
• Brasserie Zédel - Classic French cuisine in a vibrant setting. Location: 20 Sherwood St, London, United Kingdom.
• Balthazar - Celebrated for its atmospheric dining and classic dishes. Location: 80 Spring St, New York, USA.
• Café de Flore - A historic and iconic café in Paris. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
• Bistro Paul Bert - Renowned for authentic and hearty French dishes. Location: 18 Rue Paul Bert, Paris, France.
• Chez Janou - Offers a taste of Provence in the heart of Paris. Location: 2 Rue Roger Verlomme, Paris, France.
• L'Ambroisie - A three-Michelin-starred restaurant with a regal atmosphere. Location: 9 Place des Vosges, Paris, France.
• Hôtel Costes - Chic dining with a trendy vibe. Location: 239 Rue Saint Honoré, Paris, France.
• Savini Milano 1867 - Elegant dining with Milanese charm. Location: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, Italy.
• Le Procope - A historic café setting with rich culinary traditions. Location: 13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, Paris, France.