Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions
- Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the butter and canola oil. Once melted, toss in the sliced onions and the sea salt.
- Stir occasionally, letting the onions cook until they become golden brown and caramelized. This can take about 30-40 minutes. Make sure not to rush; patience is key here!
Step 2: Adding the Flavor Base
- Once your onions are nicely caramelized, add the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute. Next, pour in the beef stock and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Toss in the bay leaf and thyme leaves, along with the beef concentrate, to boost flavors. Let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, allowing all those delicious aromas to blend.
Step 3: Preparing the Bread
- While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread your rustic bread slices on a baking sheet.
- Bake them until they are crispy, roughly 10 minutes. You want them to be sturdy enough to hold the soup without disintegrating.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
- Next, remove the bay leaf from the soup. In a soup bowl, ladle your scrumptious broth, ensuring you get plenty of onions.
- Top each bowl with two slices of the crunchy bread, and pile on the Provolone cheese. Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 5: Broil Until Golden
- Place the soup bowls on a baking sheet and slide them under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Keep an eye on it; we don’t want to take a detour to charred-ville!
Notes
- Caesar Salad: This classic salad offers crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons. The cold contrasts the warm soup beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: There’s something irresistible about garlic butter on warm bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the delicious soup.
- Fruit and Cheese Platter: Sweetness from fruits and savoriness from cheese create a perfect balance.
