German Style Clear Onion Soup
Experience the delicate flavors of this traditional German Clear Onion Soup, distinctively different from its French counterpart. This soup features a crystal-clear broth, infused with the sweetness of both yellow and red onions, which are sautéed to perfection. A splash of dry white wine adds depth, while tender rounds of broiled bread topped with parmesan float gracefully on the surface. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish pays homage to the comforting essence of German cuisine, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
onions
150 g (peeled, thinly sliced into rings)
red onions
150 g (peeled, thinly sliced into rings)
fresh garlic
2 cloves (thinly sliced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh marjoram
1 teaspoon (chopped)
dry white wine
100 ml (none)
chicken broth
1 liter (none)
sandwich bread
4 slices (none)
shredded parmesan cheese
30 g (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
fresh marjoram
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the sliced garlic and chopped marjoram to the pot and sauté for about 2 minutes, until fragrant.
3
Incorporate the thinly sliced yellow and red onions, stirring occasionally, and cook for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
4
Pour in the dry white wine, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes as the alcohol evaporates.
5
Add the chicken broth to the pot and continue to simmer gently, uncovered, for 10 minutes. The soup should maintain a gentle bubbling without boiling.
6
While the soup is simmering, preheat your broiler and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
7
Use a 6 cm round biscuit cutter or a glass to cut the sandwich bread into circles, discarding any excess bread.
8
Place the bread rounds on the prepared baking sheet, sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese, and broil for approximately 1 minute, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The onions should be tender, and the broth should appear clear and slightly pink.
10
Ladle the soup into bowls and elegantly float a cheese-topped bread round on each serving. Garnish with additional fresh marjoram if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is German Style Clear Onion Soup?
It is a traditional soup featuring a crystal-clear broth infused with sautéed yellow and red onions, distinct from the heavier French version.
How does this differ from French Onion Soup?
Unlike the French version, this soup uses a clear broth, contains marjoram, and utilizes a mix of yellow and red onions without heavy caramelization.
What types of onions are required?
This recipe calls for 150 grams of yellow onions and 150 grams of red onions, both peeled and thinly sliced into rings.
Why are red onions used in this soup?
Red onions add a subtle sweetness and contribute to the unique, slightly pinkish hue of the clear broth.
What kind of broth should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1 liter of chicken broth to create a savory and light base.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken broth with a high-quality vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
What is the role of white wine in the recipe?
Dry white wine is used to deglaze the pan and add depth and acidity to the onion mixture.
Which herb provides the main flavor profile?
Fresh marjoram is the primary herb used, providing a woodsy and floral aroma characteristic of German cuisine.
How should the onions be cooked?
The onions should be sautéed for 5 to 10 minutes until they are soft and translucent, rather than browned.
How do I ensure the broth remains clear?
By simmering the soup gently uncovered for 10 minutes without letting it reach a rolling boil, the broth stays clear.
What type of bread is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 4 slices of standard sandwich bread cut into circular rounds.
How do I cut the bread into rounds?
You can use a 6 cm round biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to press out circles from the sandwich bread.
What cheese is recommended for the bread rounds?
Shredded parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the bread rounds before broiling.
How long do I broil the cheese-topped bread?
Broil the bread rounds for approximately 1 minute until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How is the soup served?
Ladle the soup into bowls and float one cheese-topped bread round on the surface of each serving.
Can I use dried marjoram instead of fresh?
Yes, but use a smaller amount as dried herbs are more concentrated; approximately one-third of the fresh amount.
What should the final color of the broth be?
The finished broth should appear clear with a slight pink tint from the red onions.
Is this soup gluten-free?
As written it contains sandwich bread, but it can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread slices.
What is the purpose of the garlic in this recipe?
Thinly sliced garlic is sautéed at the beginning to provide a fragrant aromatic base for the soup.
Can I substitute the parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can use other hard cheeses like Gruyere or Emmental for a different flavor profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients total, including seasonings and optional garnishes.
Is the soup simmered covered or uncovered?
The soup is simmered uncovered for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What oil is best for sautéing the onions?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How do I garnish the soup?
You can garnish with additional fresh marjoram leaves for added color and flavor.
What should I do with the excess bread after cutting rounds?
The excess bread can be discarded or saved to make breadcrumbs for another recipe.
Can I prepare this dish for a dinner party?
Yes, its elegant presentation with floating bread rounds makes it ideal for gatherings.
How do I season the soup?
Taste the broth after simmering and add salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
What kind of wine is best?
A dry white wine, such as Riesling or Pinot Grigio, works best for this German-style dish.
Should the onions be crunchy or soft?
The onions should be cooked until they are completely tender.
What is the total preparation and cook time?
Preparation and cooking takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes in total.