A. Gentile Jr.'S International Onion Soup
A hearty French onion soup with caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted cheeses, perfect for comforting meals and showcasing bold, savory flavors. Suitable for cold days.
Ingredients
- 3 large Spanish onions
- 1/4 lb. lightly salted butter ⓘ
- 6 c. water ⓘ
- 8 cubes beef bouillon ⓘ
- 2 oz. wine ⓘ
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. tarragon ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- toasted Italian bread, sliced 3/4-inch thick ⓘ
- sliced Muenster cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice the onions 1/8-inch thick.
- Saute the sliced onions in melted butter over medium heat until golden brown.
- Add water and beef bouillon cubes to the onions.
- When the bouillon cubes dissolve, lower the heat to simmer.
- Add wine (if using), black pepper, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, tarragon, and red pepper.
- Simmer the soup for 30 minutes.
- Spoon the hot soup into ovenproof soup dishes.
- Place a slice of toasted Italian bread into each bowl of soup.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and cover with sliced Muenster cheese.
- Place the dishes under a broiler until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade beef stock instead of water and bouillon cubes. You can also substitute Gruyère or Swiss cheese for Muenster for a different taste. If you prefer a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of flour when sautéing the onions. For a vegetarian version, replace the beef bouillon with vegetable bouillon and skip the wine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup as a starter or pair it with a fresh green salad for a light meal. It goes wonderfully with crusty bread or a side of Easy Corned Beef And Cabbage(Straight From Ireland) for a hearty combination. For a perfect finish, consider a glass of red wine to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, covered, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of A. Gentile Jr.'S International Onion Soup contains roughly 832 calories, with 46g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (511% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (208% of the Daily Value), and iron (123% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 597mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the broiling step, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, add the toasted bread and cheese, and broil as directed for a warm, bubbling dish.
What can I use instead of beef bouillon cubes?
If you don't have beef bouillon cubes, you can use homemade beef stock or a low-sodium beef broth for a similar flavor. Alternatively, vegetable broth can be used for a lighter, vegetarian option, adjusting the seasoning as needed to enhance the taste.
Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this soup gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread for the toasts and ensure that your bouillon cubes or broth are certified gluten-free. Most cheeses are gluten-free, but it's always best to check the labels to be certain.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).