This French Onion Short Rib Soup combines the comforting flavors of classic French onion soup with tender, slow-cooked short ribs. Topped with cheesy Gruyère toast, this dish is a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
6 tablespoons salted butter
4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
Black pepper, to taste
2 shallots, sliced
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
Red chili flakes, to taste
6-8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
2 bay leaves
1 star anise (optional)
2 cups baby carrots
For the Gruyère Toast:
6 slices French bread
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions:
Prepare the Soup:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large, oven-safe Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to caramelize. Season with black pepper.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the shallots, garlic, thyme, sage, and a pinch of red chili flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Short Ribs: Nestle the bone-in short ribs into the pot. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, tamari, bay leaves, and star anise (if using).
- Roast in the Oven: Cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to the preheated oven. Roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
- Add Carrots: During the last 1-2 hours of cooking, add the baby carrots to the pot.
- Shred the Meat: Remove the pot from the oven. Discard the bay leaves and star anise, and remove the bones from the short ribs. Lightly shred the meat and return the soup to low heat on the stovetop. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
Make the Gruyère Toast:
- Toast the Bread: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the French bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until dry and slightly crisp.
- Add Cheese: Switch the oven to broil. Top each slice of bread with shredded Gruyère cheese, then broil for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve:
- Assemble the Dish: Ladle the rich short rib soup into bowls. Top each serving with a slice of cheesy Gruyère toast. Garnish with black pepper and fresh thyme. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Add Depth of Flavor: Substitute a cup of the chicken broth with dry red wine or beef stock for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add potatoes, celery, or parsnips for extra heartiness.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have Gruyère, Swiss cheese or mozzarella work well as substitutes.
- Herb Variations: Rosemary or parsley can replace thyme and sage for a different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess or more red chili flakes for extra heat.
How to Store:
Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the bread and cheese separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing: The soup (without the bread) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the soup over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. Toast fresh bread and top with cheese just before serving.
FAQs:
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors deepen over time, so you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Reheat it on the stovetop before serving, and make the Gruyère toast fresh. - What can I use instead of short ribs?
Chuck roast or oxtail are excellent substitutes, offering similar tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked. - How do I thicken the soup?
For a thicker consistency, simmer the soup uncovered on the stovetop to reduce it slightly, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water). - Can I make this vegetarian?
Swap the short ribs for mushrooms, omit the tamari, and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like leeks or turnips for a hearty meat-free version.
Enjoy this French Onion Short Rib Soup as a comforting, elevated meal that combines classic flavors with a gourmet twist!