Port Wine French Onion Soup

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Port Wine French Onion Soup.

1. Step 1

   Begin by melting a generous amount of butter and a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat.

2. Step 2

   Once the mixture is shimmering, introduce the sliced onions and minced garlic, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper.

3. Step 3

   Allow the onions to slowly caramelize, stirring every ten minutes, which will take about an hour to achieve that rich, golden-brown color.

4. Step 4

   After the onions have reached perfection, stir in brown sugar and dried thyme, letting the sugar dissolve into the mixture for a couple of minutes.

5. Step 5

   Next, pour in the port wine, bringing it to a lively boil while scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

6. Step 6

   Let this simmer for five minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.

7. Step 7

   Now, add the beef stock and let it simmer for another ten minutes, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.

8. Step 8

   As the soup simmers, preheat your oven's broiler to high and arrange five oven-safe crocks on a baking sheet.

9. Step 9

   Ladle the aromatic soup into each crock, topping them with a slice of crusty French bread, a layer of Swiss cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for that extra touch of indulgence.

10. Step 10

    Slide the baking sheet under the broiler and watch as the cheese melts and turns a glorious golden brown, which should take about two to three minutes.

11. Step 11

    Enjoy the warm, comforting embrace of this classic dish, perfect for sharing with loved ones on a chilly evening.