Appetizer & Desert

French Onion Soup without Wine – Gourmet And Food

Name: French Onion Soup without Wine – Gourmet And Food
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 30g unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 5 medium-sized onions, thinly sliced; 4 cups beef broth; 1/2 teaspoon teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 8 slices of crusty baguette, toasted; 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Maria George February 11, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 55 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before we dive deep into the preparation of French onion soup minus the wine, let’s talk pairings. This dish deserves some good company. A crisp salad can balance its richness, so consider a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

If you want to add a main, grilled cheese sandwiches are always a hit. They give that nostalgic feel and melt seamlessly with the soup. Remember, an ice-cold iced tea or sparkling water with a lemon twist can cleanse your palate beautifully between bites. Let’s jump right in!

What is French Onion Soup Without Wine?

French onion soup is a traditional dish brimming with caramelized onions, tender bread, and a glorious cheese topping. When making it without wine, we enhance the flavors through various ingredients, primarily the broth.

This soup captures the essence of comfort food. It’s warm, gooey, and filling.

The beauty of omitting wine lies in the ability to appreciate the sweet, deep flavor of the onions even more. You get this delightful balance between the richness of the broth and the sweetness from the onions.

Without wine, you’re not losing out on flavor; instead, you’re making it customizable for those who prefer it without alcohol.

How Does It Taste?

Imagine lifting a spoonful of warm broth, and feeling the pull of melted cheese as you bring it to your lips. The first taste is a gentle sweetness from the onions, perfectly balanced with the savory notes from the broth.

You get a harmonious blend of textures; the bread gives a satisfying crunch while the cheese adds creaminess. There’s nothing harsh or overpowering. Just pure comfort in a bowl. If your mouth isn’t watering yet, it will be soon!

Why You’ll Love This

Quick Preparation: This soup is straightforward to make. If you can slice onions, you’re halfway there.

Comfort Food Classic: Perfect for chilly nights, it warms you from the inside out.
Customizable: You have the freedom to adjust seasonings and toppings. Don’t like Gruyère? Try a different cheese!
Healthier Option: By making it at home, you control the ingredients. It’s hearty but not overly indulgent.

Great for Meal Prepping: It stores well, making it easy to whip up a batch to enjoy later.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious dish:

1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
30g unsalted butter (about 2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
5 medium-sized onions, thinly sliced
4 cups beef broth (or stock)
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For serving:

8 slices of crusty baguette, toasted
½ cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese

French Onion Soup without Wine Copycat Recipe

Step by Step Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the sliced onions. Stir occasionally. This will take around 20 minutes. You want them to be soft and golden.

Step 2: Add Garlic

When the onions are nicely caramelized, toss in the minced garlic and stir for about a minute. You’ll smell the garlic fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Flour Time

Sprinkle the flour over the onions. Stir it all together, cooking for about 2 minutes. This will help thicken your soup later.

Step 4: Pour in Broth

Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring. It helps to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Next, add salt, pepper, brown sugar, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the mix to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Toast the Bread

While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to broil. Place slices of the baguette on a baking sheet and toast until golden brown.

Step 7: Assemble

Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Add a slice or two of the toasted baguette on top, and sprinkle with cheese.

Step 8: Broil

Put the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This might take just a few minutes, so watch carefully!

Tips On Making French Onion Soup Without Wine

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and good quality broth are key players in this recipe.
Don’t Rush the Onions: Take your time when caramelizing the onions. This step adds depth to the flavor profile.
Broil Smart: When broiling, keep a close eye. Cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly.

Experiment with Cheese: Gruyère is excellent, but feel free to mix it up. Mozzarella or provolone can also work well.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go. Everyone prefers different levels of salt and seasoning.

How Do You Store This French Onion Soup Without Wine?

Storing is simple! Allow the soup to cool down completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days.

If you want to freeze it, do so before adding the cheese and bread. In the freezer, it can last for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, reheat on the stove, and then add freshly toasted bread and cheese.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in French Onion Soup Without Wine?

Looking for alternatives? Here are five suggestions:

Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian version, vegetable broth works beautifully. It brings its own unique flavor profile.
Chicken Broth: If beef isn’t your thing, chicken broth adds a lighter but still rich taste.

Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar can replicate some acidity typically contributed by wine. Just don’t overdo it!
Sherry Vinegar: This vinegar provides depth and complexity. Use sparingly, as it can be potent.
Miso Paste: Mixing in a teaspoon of miso can enhance the umami flavor and add a healthy touch.

Conclusion

Cooking French onion soup without wine doesn’t just keep things family-friendly; it doesn’t compromise on flavor either.

With the right techniques and substitutions, you can enjoy a bowl of this delightful dish at any time. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a sunny afternoon, this soup is here to bring warmth and joy.

It’s not just about the ingredients; it’s about the experience. So, gather your loved ones, share a bowl, and enjoy the magic of comfort food right in your kitchen.

You’ll find that this classic, hearty dish can be both enchanting and approachable—no wine required!

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Print Recipe

French Onion Soup without Wine – Gourmet And Food

Author: Maria George Cuisine: French Courses: Appetizer & Desert

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 40 mins Total Time 55 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 246 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

If you've ever inhaled the savory aroma wafting from a bowl of French onion soup, you know the comfort it brings. But what if you want to savor this classic dish without a splash of wine?

You’re in the right place. Here, we’ll explore a version that relies on rich beef broth, sweet onions, and melty cheese, while skipping the wine without losing any of that nostalgic charm.

I’m excited to share not only the recipe but also some insights and tips to help you master this delightful soup in your own kitchen.