Once fall hits, something happens to cooks. Taste buds steer toward deep, hearty flavors and comfort foods, and for so many of us, that means that soup's on.
One of my favorites is French onion soup. This time of year, it's a constant on many restaurant menus. It's loved for its beefy broth, sweet onions and layer of melted cheese. Add in some toasted bread, and it satisfies as a meal.
The onions, of course, are paramount, and I like a good amount of onions in the soup. In every spoonful, you should encounter onion, broth, cheese and bite of bread. That's what brings French onion soup together.
WHAT KINDS OF ONIONS DO YOU USE?
The most common type is the yellow onion. But you can also use white onions, sweet onions and Spanish onions. If it's a deep flavor you're after, try red onions. Slice them in \-inch-thick slices. I like to cut them into \-inch half circles so they are discernible. If the onions are sliced too thin, you run the risk of having them cook too fast and burn or cook down next to nothing.
HOW DO YOU COOK THE ONIONS?
Start out heating some oil in a pot or Dutch oven. Make sure the onions have some space. Most recipes call for cooking down or caramelizing the onions so they release their natural sugars. When the sugars are released, the onions change color. How dark you want them to be is up to you. A honey color to a deep amber is generally safe. Keep in mind that the darker the color, the deeper the flavor. Just be certain to keep an eye on the onions so they don't burn. You're aiming for a sweet taste, not a burned one. Also, don't stir the onions a lot, or they won't caramelize properly.
WHAT ABOUT THE CHEESE?
Ah, the cheese. Another best part of French onion soup. The classic route calls for Gruyere (groo-YEHR), a cow's milk cheese that has some nutty nuances. You can use several varieties, but choose wisely. French onion soup demands a good melting cheese. Options include muenster, fontina, Havarti and provolone.
HOW ABOUT THE BROTH?
Most onion soups call for a beef broth or stock. You need to keep in mind that many store-bought broths or stocks are high in sodium. Many cheeses also have plenty of sodium. So you need to balance the two so the soup isn't overly salty. It's best to choose reduced-sodium varieties.
One of my favorite soup bases is reduced-sodium Better Than Bouillon. It's sold in a 3 {-ounce jar, and you use 1 teaspoon to 8 ounces of boiling water.
The original version of today's recipe (adapted from Martha Stewart Halloween magazine, October 2011) calls for Morbier (MOR-byay), a creamy and mild cow's milk cheese from France. Look for Morbier cheese at specialty shops like Holiday Market in Royal Oak, Mich.
