Savory Canadian French Onion Soup
Inspired by the iconic onion soup from Mother Martin's restaurant in Montreal, this Savory Canadian French Onion Soup is crafted to provide a delightful balance of flavors. The dish is characterized by a rich broth and perfectly caramelized onions that shine through, making it more savory than sweet. Infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of white wine, it delivers a comforting warmth typical of Canadian winter cuisine. Serve it bubbling hot with a crusty slice of toasted French bread topped with a luxurious blend of melted Swiss or Gruyère cheese and grated Parmesan for the perfect finishing touch. Each spoonful brings the tastes of Quebec right to your home, making it an ideal dish for lunch or a cozy snack. Bon Appétit!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
large onions
2-3 (sliced thin)
margarine or butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
flour
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
1 dash (none)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
fresh garlic cloves
2 (minced)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
parsley flakes
2 tablespoons (none)
thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
beef stock
2 cups (none)
chicken stock
1 cup (none)
dry white wine
1 cup (none)
French bread
as needed (sliced)
parmesan cheese
to taste (grated)
mozzarella cheese
to taste (thin sliced or grated)
cognac
1 tablespoon (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat.
2
Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they become limp and translucent, about 10-15 minutes.
3
Sprinkle in the flour, salt, fresh ground pepper, minced garlic, and sugar. Stir continuously and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flour to blend well.
4
Add in the parsley flakes, thyme, beef stock, chicken stock, and dry white wine. Stir to combine.
5
Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
If using, stir in the cognac just before serving to add an extra layer of flavor.
7
While the soup simmers, preheat your broiler and toast slices of French bread until golden brown on both sides.
8
Ladle the hot soup into ovenproof bowls and place a slice of toasted French bread on top of each.
9
Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the bread and ladle more soup around it.
10
Top each with a layer of mozzarella cheese, either thinly sliced or grated.
11
Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, which should take 2-4 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
12
Serve immediately and enjoy the hearty warmth of this Canadian classic.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Canadian French Onion Soup?
It is a rich, savory dish inspired by Mother Martin's restaurant in Montreal, featuring caramelized onions, a blend of beef and chicken stocks, and topped with melted cheese.
What inspired this specific onion soup recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the iconic onion soup from the well-known Mother Martin's restaurant located in Montreal, Quebec.
Is this soup sweet or savory?
This version is crafted to be more savory than sweet, highlighting a rich broth and perfectly caramelized onions.
How many onions are required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 large onions.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be sliced thinly for optimal caramelization and texture.
What type of fat is used to sauté the onions?
You can use 3 tablespoons of either butter or margarine.
How long do the onions need to be sautéed initially?
Sauté the onions for about 10-15 minutes until they become limp and translucent.
Why is flour added to the onions?
Flour is added to help thicken the broth and bind the flavors during the cooking process.
What seasonings are used in the base?
The soup is seasoned with salt, fresh ground pepper, minced garlic, and a small amount of sugar.
What herbs provide the flavor profile?
Fresh parsley flakes and thyme are used to infuse the soup with herbal notes.
What types of stock are used for the broth?
The broth consists of a mixture of 2 cups of beef stock and 1 cup of chicken stock.
What kind of wine should be added to the soup?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of dry white wine to add acidity and depth.
How long should the soup simmer?
Once all ingredients are combined, the soup should simmer gently for 45 minutes.
Is alcohol necessary for this recipe?
The recipe uses dry white wine for the base and offers an optional tablespoon of cognac for extra flavor.
When should I add the cognac?
If you choose to use cognac, stir it in just before serving the soup.
What type of bread is best for the topping?
French bread is recommended, sliced and toasted until golden brown on both sides.
Which cheeses are used for the melted topping?
The recipe uses a combination of grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, though Swiss or Gruyère are excellent alternatives.
How do I prepare the bread for the soup?
While the soup simmers, preheat a broiler and toast the French bread slices until they are golden brown.
How do I assemble the soup bowls for broiling?
Ladle hot soup into ovenproof bowls, place a slice of toasted bread on top, sprinkle with Parmesan, add a bit more soup, and finish with mozzarella.
How long should the soup be under the broiler?
Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What precautions should I take when broiling?
Watch the bowls very closely under the broiler to ensure the cheese and bread do not burn.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe specifies that either margarine or butter can be used for melting in the pot.
Is this soup suitable for a snack?
Yes, the description suggests it is an ideal dish for lunch or a cozy snack.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients listed for this savory soup recipe.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the onions?
A teaspoon of sugar is added to enhance the flavor balance and assist in the savory profile of the dish.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, while mozzarella is listed, the description also mentions Swiss or Gruyère as luxurious alternatives.
Is the soup served hot or cold?
The soup should be served immediately while it is bubbling hot from the broiler.
Is this a traditional French recipe?
It is a Canadian take on the classic French onion soup, specifically influenced by Quebec's culinary style.
Does the recipe require ovenproof bowls?
Yes, ovenproof bowls are necessary because the soup is placed under a broiler to melt the cheese topping.