Savory Saffron & Onion Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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This Savory Saffron & Onion Soup is a warm embrace in a bowl. With its rich, aromatic flavors, it's a perfect choice for a cozy dinner or a special gathering. The addition of saffron adds a luxurious touch that elevates the humble onion to gourmet status.

Ingredients for Savory Saffron & Onion Soup

The star of this soup is, of course, the yellow onions. They bring sweetness and depth as they caramelize. Butter and olive oil create a rich base, while a bit of salt and pepper enhance the flavors. The exotic touch is the saffron threads, which infuse the soup with a subtle, aromatic warmth. Beef broth adds a robust backbone, complemented by the acidity of dry white wine. A dash of Worcestershire sauce brings a savory kick. Finally, Gruyère cheese melts into a golden crust over a slice of French baguette, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves adds a fragrant finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For perfect caramelization, don't rush the onions. Low and slow is the way to go.
  • Use a good quality Gruyère cheese for the best flavor and meltability.
  • If you don't have oven-safe bowls, you can toast the baguette slices separately and place them on top just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of the same dry white wine used in the recipe. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roast chicken or a simple pork tenderloin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Gruyère is traditional, you could try Swiss or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup base in advance and reheat it. Add the bread and cheese just before serving.
Is there a vegetarian option?
You can substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Savory Saffron & Onion Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by melting the butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's all melted and hot, toss in your sliced onions. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper, and let them cook, stirring every now and then, until they turn a lovely golden brown. This will take about 25 minutes, so be patient; it's worth it.

When your onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the saffron threads. Just let them cook for a couple of minutes to release their magical aroma. Now pour in the beef broth, white wine, and a good drizzle of Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a stir and bring it to a simmer. Let it gently bubble away for about 20 minutes to blend all those wonderful flavors.

While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven broiler. Once the soup is ready, ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of baguette on top of each, then generously sprinkle with Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and pop them under the broiler. Keep a close eye on them, as the cheese will melt and turn golden brown in just 3 to 5 minutes.

Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and finish each with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It's a unique twist on classic onion soup with the exotic flavor of saffron.
  • Quick to prepare yet impressive enough for guests.
  • The melted Gruyère topping is irresistibly delicious.
  • Perfect for chilly evenings when comfort food is a must.

Ingredients

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp saffron threads
6 cups beef broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
4 slices of French baguette
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Melt butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes.
3. Stir in saffron threads, cooking for another 2 minutes to release flavor.
4. Add beef broth, white wine, and Worcestershire sauce, bringing to a simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven broiler.
6. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, placing a slice of baguette on top of each.
7. Sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
8. Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil until cheese melts and turns golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.

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