Delia Smith French Onion Soup Recipe

Name: Delia Smith's French Onion Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: Not specified
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1½ lb (700g) onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 oz (50g) butter; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; ½ level teaspoon granulated sugar; 2 pints (1.2 litres) good beef stock; 10 fl oz (275 ml) dry white wine; 2 tablespoons Cognac (optional)

Delve into the world of classic French cuisine with Delia Smith's French Onion Soup, a recipe that epitomizes comfort and sophistication. This dish, perfect for chilly evenings, transforms simple ingredients into a profound culinary experience.

Brief Description of Delia Smith's French Onion Soup

Delia Smith's French Onion Soup is a testament to the power of slow cooking, bringing out the sweetness of caramelized onions in a rich broth enhanced by white wine and Cognac. Topped with crunchy croutons and melted Gruyère cheese, it's a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that warm the soul.

Cultural or Historical Context

French Onion Soup has deep roots in French cuisine, often associated with the simplicity and elegance of Parisian bistros. Its origin dates back to Roman times, evolving into the richly flavored broth we know today, celebrated by chefs and home cooks alike for its comforting qualities.

Ingredients List for Delia Smith's French Onion Soup

Onions (1½ lb or 700g), thinly sliced
Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
Butter (2 oz or 50g)
Garlic (2 cloves), crushed
Granulated sugar (½ level teaspoon)
Good beef stock (2 pints or 1.2 litres)
Dry white wine (10 fl oz or 275 ml)
Cognac (2 tablespoons, optional)

Preparation Instructions

Start with making the croutons: drizzle olive oil on a baking sheet, add crushed garlic, and spread evenly. Coat bread slices in this mixture and bake until crispy.
In a saucepan, melt butter with oil, add onions, garlic, and sugar, and caramelize over low heat.
Add stock and wine to the caramelized onions, season, and simmer gently for about an hour.
For serving, reheat the soup, adjust seasoning, add Cognac if desired, and serve with croutons topped with grated Gruyère, broiled until golden.

Storage and Reheating

Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little water if necessary. Prepare croutons and cheese fresh when serving reheated soup.

Nutritional Information

This soup is rich in flavors and moderately high in calories due to the cheese and croutons. It offers a good amount of protein from the beef stock and cheese, along with vitamins and minerals from the onions.

FAQ about Delia Smith's French Onion Soup

Can I use chicken stock instead of beef? Yes, but beef stock gives the soup its traditional rich flavor.
Is it necessary to add Cognac? No, but it adds depth. You can omit it or substitute with additional stock.

Final Thoughts

Delia Smith's French Onion Soup stands out for its depth of flavor, achieved through the slow caramelization of onions and the rich base of beef stock and wine. Serve it as a warming starter or a comforting main dish on a cold evening. Remember, the secret to its success lies in patience and quality ingredients.

Original recipe by Delia Smith, a celebration of French culinary tradition and homely comfort in one dish.

For more detailed steps and insights into Delia Smith's cooking techniques, visit Delia Online.