A Perfect Side Dish: Red Wine
Having red wine as a gesture to top your relaxing evening is the best choice with French Onion Soup. The acidity from the red wine works well against the hearty, rich base of the soup. A light, fruit-forward red wine with minimal tannins could complement the sweet tones of the caramelized onions predominant in the soup. Strong reds might polarize the flavors of the soup and wine, with each striving for the upper hand.
Moreover, a crisp white wine could also be a brilliant pairing with your bowl of French onion soup. The bright citrus, mineral, and often apple notes in many white wines help to lift the base flavors of the soup and refresh your palate in between bites, especially if you have the cheese on top.
Complement the Golden Brown: Salt and Pepper
Adding salt and pepper to your french onion soup can accentuate the flavors. The onions are cooked until they are golden brown, which brings out the natural sweetness. However, just adding salt and pepper might not be enough. The flavors should marry for at least 30-40 minutes for an even better taste in this classic French onion soup recipe.
More than that, sprinkle over some parmesan cheese for an added kick. When it melts, it adds some creamy and tangy flavor which easily blends with the other ingredients. This cheese combination enhances the taste of the beef broth, creating an exciting gastronomic adventure to explore.
Goodness of Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables can be a garnish or a side dish to your French Onion Soup. Toss the vegetables in some olive oil, sprinkle with spices, and roast them in the oven until they are caramelized. The flavor from the roasted vegetables strongly complements the depth of flavor in the soup.
Moreover, adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary or garnishing with parsley can enhance your dining experience. When it combines with the melted mozzarella cheese on top of the soup, the result is simply scrumptious.
The Boldness of Baked Potato
A baked potato is a hearty, satisfying side to serve with french onion soup. The starchy comfort of a warm, fluffy baked potato perfectly complements the savory depth of the soup. A light spill of sour cream on top adds a tangy freshness, making baked potatoes with sour cream an exceptional pairing with your soup.
To further elevate the taste, spread a generous amount of garlic butter over the potato. The butter melts into the warm potato, and the garlic flavor infuses throughout, providing an extra flavor punch alongside your delicious French onion soup.
Pairing Up Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A grilled cheese sandwich can make a flavorful duet with a bowl of French Onion Soup, ever ready to amplify your soup recipes. Prepare it with your preferred cheese, and trust me, it’s a match made in heaven. You can take a break from the soup, take a bite of the sandwich and dive right back in.
In this pairing, when the sandwich’s crispy, buttery exterior meets the soup’s gentle texture, it gives an adventurous twist. The cheese from the sandwich and the soup becomes gooey, and the two strike a beautiful balance.
Partners In Crime: Arugula Salad
An arugula salad is another excellent side to have with your French onion soup. It is light, refreshing, and a great palate cleanser. It offers a fantastic contrast to the deep flavors of caramelized onions and the gooey, melted cheese on top of the soup.
Toss arugula with your favorite dressing, add some nuts, and you have a perfect side dish. It’s an elegant yet straightforward accompaniment to the profound and comforting flavors of the soup, preventing the palette from becoming overwhelmed.
FAQ
How can I make French Onion Soup?
Classic French onion soup recipe involves caramelizing onions in butter and sugar, then adding beef broth, white wine, thyme, and bay leaf. It is served with toasted bread and cheese which is usually broiled to melt and brown.
What is a Classic French Onion Soup?
A classic French onion soup is a type of soup usually based on meat stock and onions, often served gratinéed with croutons or a larger piece of bread covered with cheese floating on top.
Is Red Wine necessary in French Onion Soup?
While you can make French onion soup without it, red wine adds a unique richness and depth of flavor to the soup.
Can other types of Cheese be used in French Onion Soup?
Yes, along with gruyère, other types of cheese like Mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese or a combination can also be used for different flavours.
Can you serve French Onion Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
Absolutely, a grilled cheese sandwich is a delicious accompaniment to French Onion Soup and is enjoyed by many.
What Kind of Onions are used in French Onion Soup?
White or yellow onions that have been slowly caramelized are the ones typically used in a French Onion Soup.
Is it advisable to serve Baked Potato as a side dish to French Onion Soup?
Yes, you can serve a baked potato as a side dish. The creaminess inside plays well with the rich onions and broth in the soup.
Can I use Olive oil to caramelize the Onions?
Yes, olive oil can be used to caramelize the onions but traditionally butter is used as it helps to give a rich flavour to the onions.
Can Garlic Butter be used in French Onion Soup?
Adding garlic butter is in no way traditional to a classic French onion soup recipe. But if you are a garlic fan, it would add a nice touch.
What can I serve with French Onion Soup as a Light Side Dish?
An Arugula salad or any light, refreshing green salad balances well with the rich soup.
