| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400 | 20g | 10g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 5g | 12g | 1.5g |
Coming from a culinary background deeply rooted in the traditions of the sprawling Montana landscapes, I find the simplicity and depth of flavors offered by the Creole Onion Soup to be sheer poetry. Delving into the soup is akin to a cultural experience, blending the robust flavors of vegetables, spices, and herbs into a soothing and nourishing bowl of comfort.
Interplay of Flavors
This hearty Creole Onion Soup recipe is similar to the iconic French onion soup but bears a distinct personality with its addition of Worcestershire and hot pepper sauce. These ingredients infuse the soup with a tangy and mildly spicy undertone that is truly rejuvenating. Think about it as an intersection of Montana’s robust rancher’s favorites and the fiery spirit of Southern cooking!
Notably, the combination of savory beef broth with delightful hints of red wine and garlic creates a perfect harmony of flavors. The rich bubbling Gruyère cheese topping embodies the spirit of the classic version with a slight twist. It complements well with the crunchy French baguette, culminating in a taste that lingers in your mouth.
Health Benefits and Complementary Dishes
On top of its mouthwatering taste, the Creole Onion Soup comes packed with health benefits. Primarily vegetable-based, this soup is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. The onions are a great source of antioxidants and can help with heart health and blood sugar control. The garlic and thyme also come with their own set of health benefits, such as being anti-inflammatory, helping to fight off diseases, and enhancing immune function.
This soup pairs exquisitely with a simple, crisp salad or a deliciously marinated bison steak for a comforting meal. Just as my specialties of bison burgers, venison steaks or huckleberry pies mesh well with my upbringing, this lovely Creole Onion soup embodies the soul of Southern cooking.
In the grand scheme of dishes, it’s perfect for cold winter nights or when you’re in need of some extra comfort. All in all, this harmonious blend of exquisite flavors, textures, and tradition is why I find this Creole Onion Soup recipe to be simply impeccable.
What You’ll Need
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 6 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons hot pepper sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Method
Step One
Start by melting ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add in the thinly sliced onions. Sauté the onions in the melted butter until they become soft and golden brown. This process should take about 30 minutes.
Step Two
Next up, add the minced garlic to the pot. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring that the garlic gets properly integrated with the onions and butter.
Step Three
Once the onions and garlic mixture is ready, pour in 8 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of dry red wine, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 ½ teaspoons of hot pepper sauce. After those ingredients, add in the ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step Four
Bring your soup to a simmer. Allow it to cook on low heat for approximately 45 minutes. Throughout this time, the flavors of the ingredients would get to infuse properly with each other.
Step Five
While your soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and begin prepping the French baguette. Slice the French baguette into 1-inch rounds. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake until they’re lightly toasted. This should take around 10 minutes.
Step Six
When your soup is done simmering, discard the bay leaves. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top each bowl with the toasted baguette rounds, then sprinkle each one with shredded Gruyere cheese.
Step Seven
Place the bowls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. This will take around 20 minutes. After it’s baked, sprinkle the soup with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Step Eight
Enjoy your delicious homemade Creole Onion Soup!
