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French Onion Short Rib Soup

French Onion Short Rib Soup

French Onion Short Rib Soup is a rich and hearty dish that combines the sweet depth of caramelized onions with tender, slow-cooked beef short ribs. This elegant yet approachable soup melds classic French onion flavors with the robust taste of braised beef, making it perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Broth

  • 2 to 3 pounds beef short ribs, meaty and well-marbled
  • 8 cups beef broth, rich and flavorful
  • 1 cup dry white wine

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf

Fats and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Toppings

  • Baguette slices, toasted
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the Short Ribs: Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a hot pan and sear the ribs on all sides until deeply browned to develop a hearty beefy flavor base.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: In the same pan, lower the heat and cook sliced yellow onions with butter and olive oil. Stir often while slowly caramelizing them to a rich golden brown over about 45 minutes, creating their signature sweetness.
  3. Deglaze and Simmer: Add minced garlic and cook briefly. Pour in dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and browned short ribs into the pot. Cover and simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours until meat is tender and flavors meld.
  4. Shred the Meat and Finish Soup: Remove short ribs, shred the meat and discard bones. Return shredded beef to the pot, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and simmer an additional 15 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Prepare the Toppings and Serve: Toast baguette slices until crisp. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted bread slices, and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese. Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden, then serve hot.

Notes

  • Be patient during the onion caramelization for the best flavor development.
  • Use high-quality short ribs for richer broth and tender texture.
  • Skim excess fat from the surface before serving to keep soup balanced.
  • Watch the cheese carefully under the broiler to avoid burning and achieve a perfect crust.
  • Let the soup rest briefly after cooking to let flavors integrate fully.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Soup, Short Rib Soup, French Cuisine, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker Soup, Caramelized Onions, Braised Beef Soup