Introduction
This French Onion Short Rib Soup with Cheesy Gruyère Toast is the ultimate comfort dish. Combining the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions, tender beef short ribs, and hearty broth, this soup is a perfect meal for chilly days. Topped with melty Gruyère cheese over crispy French bread, this dish takes traditional French onion soup to a whole new level. It’s deeply flavorful and hearty without using wine, making it family-friendly and simple to prepare.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for You
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a warm, comforting bowl of soup with deep, savory flavors. The combination of tender short ribs and caramelized onions creates a rich broth that’s further elevated by the addition of fresh thyme, sage, and tamari. The cheesy Gruyère toast adds a luxurious touch, making this dish perfect for a cozy dinner or special gathering.
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 Cheesy Gruyère Toast:
- 6 slices French bread
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure it’s ready for slow roasting the short ribs.
2. Cook the Onions
In a large oven-safe Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to caramelize. Season with black pepper to taste.
3. Add Aromatics and Short Ribs
Stir in the sliced shallots, chopped garlic, fresh thyme, sage, and a pinch of red chili flakes for a bit of heat. Nestle the bone-in short ribs into the pot, making sure they are partially submerged in the onions.
4. Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour 6 cups of chicken broth over the short ribs, making sure there is enough liquid to almost cover the meat. Add the tamari or soy sauce for a rich umami flavor. Drop in the bay leaves and star anise (if using) for added depth of flavor. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid.
5. Roast the Short Ribs
Transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated oven and roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the short ribs are tender and easily fall off the bone. During the last 1-2 hours of cooking, add the baby carrots to the pot.
6. Shred the Meat
Once the short ribs are tender, remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Discard the bay leaves and star anise. Carefully remove the bones from the short ribs and shred the meat with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the soup and place the Dutch oven on low heat to keep the soup warm. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
7. Prepare the Cheesy Gruyère Toast
While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the slices of French bread on a baking sheet and toast them for 10 minutes, or until they are dry and slightly crispy.
8. Broil the Cheesy Toast
Switch the oven to broil and top each slice of bread with a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
9. Serve the Soup
Ladle the rich short rib and onion soup into bowls. Place a cheesy Gruyère toast slice on top of each serving. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and extra thyme, and serve immediately. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors with each bite!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large oven-safe Dutch oven
- Baking sheet
- Tongs for handling short ribs
- Cheese grater for shredding Gruyère
- Knife and cutting board
Tips and Shortcuts
- No Star Anise? No Problem! Star anise adds a subtle depth, but if you don’t have it, you can leave it out without losing the richness of the soup.
- Pre-shredded Cheese: For convenience, you can use pre-shredded Gruyère or a mix of Gruyère and Swiss cheese.
- Caramelizing the Onions: For quicker caramelization, you can add a pinch of sugar to the onions as they cook. This helps speed up the process without sacrificing flavor.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
- Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have Gruyère, feel free to use Swiss cheese or mozzarella for a melty, cheesy topping.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, substitute the short ribs with sautéed mushrooms and vegetable broth. The flavor will still be hearty and satisfying.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread for the cheesy toast and ensure your tamari or soy sauce is gluten-free.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. The cheesy toast is best prepared fresh, but you can store any leftover toasted bread and reheat it under the broiler when ready to serve.
Food and Drink Pairings
This rich and hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a light salad on the side, such as a mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette. For a drink pairing, a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a non-alcoholic option like sparkling water with lemon slices complements the depth of flavors in the soup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! This soup is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Store it in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the soup?
A: Absolutely. Freeze the soup (without the bread) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of French bread for the cheesy toast?
A: Any crusty bread will work, such as a baguette or ciabatta. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the cheese and stay crispy in the soup.
Q: Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
A: Yes, beef broth will add an even deeper flavor. Just ensure it’s low-sodium to prevent the soup from becoming too salty.
Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe.
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French Onion Short Rib Soup with Cheesy Gruyère Toast
Description
Savor rich French Onion Short Rib Soup topped with cheesy Gruyère toast for a comforting, hearty meal perfect for any cozy night.