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French Onion Short Rib Soup

French Onion Short Rib Soup
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French Onion Short Rib Soup is a soulful, comforting dish combining the deep caramelized sweetness of French onion soup with tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs. With layers of rich flavors from slow-cooked beef, caramelized onions, aromatic herbs, and a classic cheesy baguette topping, this hearty soup warms and satisfies, perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests with a gourmet touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Broth

  • 2 to 3 lbs well-marbled short ribs
  • 6 cups beef broth (homemade or high quality)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves

Liquids and Fats

  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)

Bread and Cheese Topping

  • 1 baguette, sliced
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Seasoning

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Short Ribs: Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the ribs on all sides until a rich crust forms. Remove and set aside.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: In the same pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until they turn a deep golden brown and develop their natural sweetness, about 30 to 45 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last few minutes.
  3. Deglaze and Add Liquids: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom. Add the beef broth, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Slow Cook for Tenderness: Return the browned short ribs to the pot. Cover and simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling apart and the broth has deepened in flavor and color.
  5. Prepare Baguette and Cheese Topping: Slice the baguette and lightly toast the slices. Top each slice with shredded Gruyère cheese. When ready to serve, place the baguette slices on top of the soup bowls and broil until the cheese melts and turns golden brown, creating a gratin finish.

Notes

  • Patience with caramelizing onions is key; rushing this step will reduce the sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution during browning and simmering.
  • Season gradually throughout cooking to avoid over-salting as flavors concentrate.
  • Skim any excess fat from the surface of the soup after cooking for a cleaner broth.
  • Choose homemade or high-quality beef broth to greatly enhance richness and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, short rib soup, caramelized onions, comfort food, beef soup, gourmet soup, winter recipe

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/french-onion-short-rib-soup/