French onion soup and regular onion soup are both classic soup recipes made by cooking onions in broth. However, there are some key differences between the two soups in terms of ingredients, cooking methods, and flavor profiles. In this article, we will explore the history of French onion soup, how it differs from regular onion soup, and provide recipes for each so you can taste the difference yourself.
History of French Onion Soup
Onion soup originated as a peasant dish in France made from beef broth and onions. Over time, it evolved into the refined French onion soup that is popular today. According to legend, King Louis XV first tasted French onion soup at a restaurant called Les Champ d’Oiseaux in Paris in the 18th century. The royal chef was so impressed that he returned to recreate it, adding toasted bread and cheese to make it even more delicious. This royal endorsement cemented French onion soup’s status as a gourmet dish.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, versions of French onion soup became popular in restaurants and homes in France and abroad. The key characteristics—caramelized onions simmered in beef broth and topped with toasted bread and melted cheese—remained consistent even as chefs experimented with ways to refine the flavor. Today, French onion soup is considered a classic French dish that can be found in restaurants around the world.
Key Differences Between French Onion Soup and Regular Onion Soup
While both soups contain onions as the star ingredient, there are several differences that set French onion soup apart from regular onion soup:
Onions
– French onion soup uses caramelized onions, which are cooked slowly over low heat until deeply browned and sweet. This adds more complex, concentrated flavor compared to regular raw onion soup.
– A large quantity of onions is used—up to 5 pounds for 6-8 servings. Regular onion soup uses fewer onions.
– The onions are sliced thinly to maximize surface area for deeper caramelization. Onions can be chunkier in regular soup.
Broth
– French onion soup is made with a beef broth enhanced by beef bones. Regular onion soup often uses chicken or vegetable broth.
– The broth is cooked for a long time—up to 8 hours—to extract more flavor from the bones. Regular broth cooks faster.
Cheese
– French onion soup is topped with croutons and melted Swiss cheese like Gruyere or Emmental. Cheese is optional in regular onion soup.
Technique
– French onion soup requires a lengthy cooking process to properly caramelize onions and develop deep flavor. Regular onion soup is quicker to make.
– The soup is often topped with cheese and broiled before serving to form the characteristic crust. Broiling is uncommon in regular onion soup.
Flavor Profile
– French onion soup has a rich, complex sweet and savory flavor thanks to the caramelized onions and beef broth. Regular onion soup tends to have a simpler onion flavor.
– The cheese topping adds a distinctive melted, nutty, salty flavor not found in regular onion soup.
French Onion Soup Recipe
Now that you know how French onion soup differs from regular onion soup, here is a recipe to make the classic version at home:
Ingredients:
– 5 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup dry white wine
– 8 cups beef broth
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 slices French bread, toasted
– 2 cups grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese
Instructions:
- Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 30 minutes, stirring frequently, until very soft and caramelized to a deep brown.
- Increase heat to medium high, add the wine, and continue cooking for 5 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the beef broth and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Discard bay leaf. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into oven safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl of soup and top with the grated cheese.
- Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
The long cooking time results in deeply caramelized onions and richly flavored beef broth. Broiling the cheese topping gives the signature crust. Make sure to use high quality, freshly grated Gruyere for the best flavor.
Regular Onion Soup Recipe
For comparison, here is a basic recipe for regular onion soup:
Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 3 onions, diced
– 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent.
- Add the broth and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with croutons or oyster crackers, if desired.
This quick cooking soup highlights the flavor of fresh onions. The diced onions retain some texture versus being fully caramelized and melted down. You can add extras like croutons or cheese if you want more garnish.
Comparison of Nutrition Facts
Here is a nutritional comparison between a 1 cup serving of French onion soup and regular onion soup:
| Nutrition Facts | French Onion Soup (1 cup) | Regular Onion Soup (1 cup) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 205 | 110 |
| Total Fat | 12 g | 4 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg | 460 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 12 g | 10 g |
| Protein | 8 g | 4 g |
As you can see, French onion soup generally has more calories, fat, and sodium due to the beef broth, oil, and cheese used in preparing it. Regular onion soup is lighter in comparison. Keep this in mind if you are monitoring your nutritional intake.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some tips for serving French onion soup vs. regular onion soup:
French Onion Soup
– Serve hot in oven-safe crocks for a traditional presentation. The cheese should be melted and browned on top.
– Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley for a pop of color.
– Add a green salad and crusty bread as accompaniments for a French bistro-style meal.
– Pair with a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or French onion soup beer for matching flavor profiles.
Regular Onion Soup
– Garnish bowls with oyster crackers, croutons, or baked cheese toasts for different textures.
– Add other vegetables like carrots or celery to create a heartier vegetable soup.
– Ladle into bread bowls for a portable meal.
– Pair with sandwiches or a mixed green salad for lunch.
– Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a hoppy pale ale.
Onion Soup for Every Occasion
Both French onion soup and regular onion soup can be great choices for different meals and occasions:
French Onion Soup
– Elegant starter for a dinner party
– Romantic meal for two
– Cold weather comfort food
– Ski chalet après-ski appetizer
Regular Onion Soup
– Weeknight dinner
– Lunch with sandwiches or salad
– Vegetarian/vegan meal
– Portable soup for tailgating and picnics
Conclusion
French onion soup and regular onion soup contain the same key ingredients, but French onion soup gets its distinctive flavor from caramelized onions, beef broth, toasted bread, and melted cheese. Regular onion soup has a more basic onion taste. French onion soup requires more time to prepare but delivers a rich, deeply satisfying flavor. Regular onion soup comes together quickly with simpler ingredients. Both are delicious options for different soups depending on your tastes, time constraints, and pairing intentions. A side by side tasting is the best way to appreciate the differences between these two classic onion soups. With the recipes and tips above, you can make both versions at home.