Savory Norwegian Red Onion Soup with Port and Jarlsberg
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Savory Norwegian Red Onion Soup, infused with the sweetness of caramelized red onions, aromatic oregano, and a splash of port wine. This heartwarming dish is topped with crusty pumpernickel bread and a generous layer of melted Jarlsberg cheese, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Perfect for a cozy meal or as an elegant starter for dinner parties, this soup is not only satisfying but also showcases the culinary essence of Norway.
4
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red Onions
5 (Cut into 1/4 inch slices)
Unsalted Butter
3-4 tablespoons (Melted)
Fresh Oregano
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Bay Leaves
3 (Whole)
Port Wine
1/3 cup (N/A)
Chicken Stock
1 quart (N/A)
Stale Pumpernickel Bread
4 slices (N/A)
Jarlsberg Cheese
1 cup (Grated)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until bubbling.
2
Add the sliced red onions, chopped fresh oregano, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions in the butter.
3
Sauté the mixture for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized.
4
Pour in the port wine, stirring to combine, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
5
Remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard them.
6
Add the chicken stock, stir, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.
7
Preheat your broiler while the soup is simmering.
8
Ladle the hot soup into individual ovenproof bowls, placing a slice of stale pumpernickel bread on top of each bowl.
9
Sprinkle the grated Jarlsberg cheese generously over the bread in each bowl.
10
Transfer the bowls to the broiler and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
11
Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they'll be very hot!) and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this deliciously comforting soup!
Nutrition Information
17.5
Fat
25
Carbs
11.25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Norwegian Red Onion Soup?
It is a rich, flavorful soup featuring caramelized red onions, port wine, and fresh oregano, topped with pumpernickel bread and melted Jarlsberg cheese.
What kind of onions are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for five red onions, cut into 1/4 inch slices.
Can I use yellow onions instead of red onions?
Yes, while red onions provide a specific color and sweetness, yellow or sweet onions can be used as a substitute.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
This recipe uses grated Jarlsberg cheese, which is a mild, nutty Norwegian cheese.
What can I substitute for Jarlsberg cheese?
If Jarlsberg is unavailable, Swiss or Gruyère cheese are excellent alternatives.
What is the purpose of port wine in this recipe?
Port wine adds a deep, sweet complexity that complements the sweetness of the caramelized red onions.
Can I omit the port wine?
Yes, you can omit it or replace it with a splash of balsamic vinegar or additional stock, though the flavor profile will change.
Is this soup vegetarian?
As written, no, because it uses chicken stock.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply substitute the chicken stock with a high-quality vegetable stock.
What kind of bread is recommended for the topping?
The recipe calls for stale pumpernickel bread, which holds up well under the weight of the soup and cheese.
Can I use fresh pumpernickel bread instead of stale?
Yes, but stale bread is preferred as it absorbs the soup without becoming too soggy; you can toast fresh bread to achieve a similar effect.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
It takes approximately 20 minutes of sautéing over medium heat to achieve a soft, caramelized texture.
Why do I need to remove the bay leaves?
Bay leaves are used for infusion but are tough and woody, so they are not meant to be eaten.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 17.5g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 11.25g of protein.
Can I use dried oregano instead of fresh?
Yes, use about 2 teaspoons of dried oregano if substituting for the 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano.
How do I achieve the best caramelization for the onions?
Sauté the onions slowly over medium heat and stir occasionally to ensure even browning without burning.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, pumpernickel bread contains gluten.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free bread alternative for the topping and ensure your chicken stock is certified gluten-free.
What equipment do I need for the cheesy topping?
You will need individual ovenproof bowls and a broiler.
How long do I broil the cheese?
Broil the soup bowls for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, the soup base can be made ahead; just reheat and add the bread and cheese right before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, ideally without the bread and cheese topping.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, the soup base (without the bread and cheese) can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What makes this a Norwegian onion soup?
The inclusion of Jarlsberg cheese and the pairing with dense pumpernickel bread are traditional elements associated with Norwegian culinary flavors.
Can I use beef stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, beef stock will provide a richer, darker, and more robust flavor profile.
Does the alcohol in the port wine remain in the soup?
Most of the alcohol evaporates during the 2 minutes of cooking after adding it to the hot pot.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler?
Keep a close eye on the bowls while they are under the broiler, as the cheese can go from melted to burnt very quickly.
Is this soup suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, the individual ovenproof bowl presentation makes it an elegant starter for dinner parties.