Easy Recipes from the Pot Rack – November 2022

I’m not gonna lie, French Onion Soup remains my absolute favorite meal. Often when I go to a fancy restaurant I order this lovely concoction as my main course. This recipe is a bit boozy. Just be sure to cook off the alcohol or the flavors won’t blend as they should.

Ingredients for 4-6

8 cups sliced yellow onions (about 2 1/2 pounds)

4 Tblsp butter

1 bay leaf

1/2 cup medium-dry sherry

1/4 cup brandy or Cognac

1 1/2 cups dry white wine

8 cups beef stock

Salt and pepper to taste

1 baguette sliced

4-6 slices Gruyere cheese (Swiss will do)

 

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a large stock pot on medium heat. Place all of the onions in the pot with the bay leaf and sauté slowly until the onions caramelize and turn golden brown. This can take 30-45 minutes. The most important thing is to not let the onions burn.
  • Once onions are browned, deglaze the pan with the sherry and brandy and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes. Add the white wine and simmer for 15 more minutes.
  • Turn the heat up to high and add the beef stock. Bring to a boil, then lower temperature to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Place 4-6 soup bowls on a cookie sheet. Pour soup in each bowl about 2/3’s full. Top each bowl with a slice of bread or two depending on the size of your bowl. Top the bread with cheese and place cookie sheet under a broiler set to LOW. Broil until bubbly and lightly browned. Serve immediately.

 

Beyond the Recipe—Several months ago, I visited Portland to see my son James and his girlfriend. My plan was to take them to a nice steak or seafood restaurant as they don’t often get to indulge as working 20-somethings in the big city. They chose a trendy seafood spot in the Pearl District which suited me just fine. We sat down and ordered a glass of wine and started to peruse the menu when my eye latched on to my most favorite indulgence … French Onion Soup. Sure, I could have ordered the crab cakes or halibut in a dill sauce, but did I? Nope. When the waiter came over, everyone ordered and then I proudly said, “I’ll take the French Onion Soup as my main course please.” My son looked at me like I was nuts, so I graciously threw in a dozen oysters on the half shell. It was the least I could do.