Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Begin by shredding your onions in thin slices. In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions. The secret to caramelizing onions is patience. Stir the onions occasionally and allow them to soften and turn caramel in color. This process can take about 30 minutes, so let your mind wander, or pour a glass of wine—after all, it’s cooking time!
Step 2: Deglaze and Create the Base
- Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, pour in the dry white wine. This will deglaze the pot, picking up all those lovely fond bits stuck to the bottom. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about another 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Build Flavor with Broth and Spices
- Add your gluten-free beef stock and chicken stock to the caramelized onions. Toss in the rice flour to help thicken the broth. Whisk it in to avoid lumps. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Let this simmer for about 20 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Step 4: Toast the Bread
- While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the gluten-free bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them for roughly 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
- It’s assembly time! Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place the toasted bread on top, and pile on the shredded Gruyère cheese along with the Swiss slices.
Step 6: Broil for Perfection
- Set the bowls under the broiler for 2-5 minutes, watching closely (you don’t want your cheese to burn). When it’s perfectly bubbly and golden-brown, remove from the oven.
Notes
- Choose Your Onions Wisely – Yellow onions offer the best sweetness for caramelizing.
- Don’t Rush the Onions – Patience with the onions is key to unlocking their natural sugars!
- Experiment with Stocks – Swap the beef or chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
- DIY Cheese – If you can’t find Gruyère, feel free to substitute with any cheese that melts boastfully.
- Store Leftovers Properly – If you have leftover soup, store the broth separately from the cheese-topped bread to avoid sogginess.
