Gordon Ramsay, a chef renowned for his culinary expertise and high standards, offers a sophisticated yet accessible take on the classic French Onion Soup.
This dish, emblematic of French cuisine, is celebrated for its deep, caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and the iconic cheesy, toasted bread topping.
Ramsay elevates this traditional soup with his signature touch, focusing on the quality of ingredients and precise cooking techniques to enhance flavor and texture.
What is Gordon Ramsay French Onion Soup
Gordon Ramsay’s French Onion Soup is a refined version of the traditional soup, known for its richly flavored broth infused with slowly caramelized onions, topped with a slice of crusty bread and melted Gruyère cheese.
The soup is served bubbling hot, with the cheese beautifully browned and the bread providing a satisfying crunch.
Ramsay’s approach to this classic dish emphasizes the importance of patience in caramelizing the onions to perfection, creating a depth of flavor that is both complex and comforting.
What Goes Best with Gordon Ramsay French Onion Soup
This hearty soup is often enjoyed as a starter but can also serve as a satisfying main course. When serving as a starter, it pairs wonderfully with light salads or vegetable dishes to balance the richness of the soup.
As a main, consider accompanying it with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette and a glass of red wine, such as a Beaujolais or a lighter Pinot Noir, which complements the savory flavors of the soup without overwhelming them.
Ingredients
– 5 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon sugar (to help with caramelization)
– 8 cups beef stock
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 2 bay leaves
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
– 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Prepare Gordon Ramsay French Onion Soup
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes. Sprinkle with sugar a few minutes into cooking to help with the caramelization process.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the beef stock, bay leaves, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Bread and Cheese: Preheat the broiler. Place the toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet, top each with grated Gruyère cheese, and broil until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Gordon Ramsay French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- - 5 large onions thinly sliced
- - 2 cloves of garlic minced
- - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
- - 1 teaspoon sugar to help with caramelization
- - 8 cups beef stock
- - 1/2 cup dry white wine
- - 2 bay leaves
- - 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- - 1 baguette sliced and toasted
- - 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
- - Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes. Sprinkle with sugar a few minutes into cooking to help with the caramelization process.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the beef stock, bay leaves, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Bread and Cheese: Preheat the broiler. Place the toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet, top each with grated Gruyère cheese, and broil until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Notes
How to Serve Gordon Ramsay French Onion Soup
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a cheese-topped baguette slice (or two) on top of each bowl of soup. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
How to Reheat Gordon Ramsay French Onion Soup
Microwave: Pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot. The bread and cheese topping should be added fresh, if possible.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe bowl and warm in the oven until heated through. Add the bread and cheese topping, then broil to melt the cheese.
Stovetop: Warm the soup over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally, until hot. Prepare the bread and cheese topping separately under the broiler.
How to Store Leftovers of Gordon Ramsay French Onion Soup
Cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. It’s best to store the bread and cheese topping separately and prepare fresh when serving.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gordon Ramsay French Onion Soup
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Gruyère is traditional, you can also use Swiss, Emmental, or a combination of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to use wine?
The wine adds depth and acidity to the soup, but it can be omitted if preferred. Consider using a splash of balsamic vinegar as a non-alcoholic substitute to add a similar depth of flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the beef stock with a rich vegetable stock to make a vegetarian version of this soup. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the traditional flavor profile.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of Gordon Ramsay French Onion Soup can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, particularly the type of beef stock and the amount of cheese and bread used for topping.
Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving:
Calories: 400-500 kcal
Protein: 20-25 g
Fat: 20-30 g
– Saturated Fat: 10-15 g
Carbohydrates: 35-45 g
– Dietary Fiber: 3-5 g
– Sugars: 10-15 g (mostly from onions)
Sodium: 600-800 mg (can vary based on the sodium content of the stock and cheese)
This dish is a good source of protein thanks to the cheese and provides some dietary fiber from the onions.
However, it can be high in sodium and saturated fat, so it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily meal.
To make a lighter version, you could use less cheese or opt for a cheese with lower fat content, and choose a low-sodium beef stock.
Gordon Ramsay’s French Onion Soup is a testament to the power of simple ingredients, transformed through careful cooking into a dish with deep, complex flavors.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a cozy and satisfying meal, this soup is sure to deliver a gourmet dining experience right at home.
