A Timeless French Recipe for Cosy Evenings
There’s nothing quite as comforting and easy to make as a classic French onion soup (we promise peeling and chopping all those onions is the only tricky part!) At Halcyon Retreat, you can pick up fresh onions at the bustling market in nearby La Souterraine, and grab some rich, local cheese from the village deli to top off your soup. Using quality, fresh ingredients like these makes all the difference in this timeless dish.
Why French Onion Soup?
French onion soup is a classic that highlights the magic of simple ingredients transformed through slow cooking. Sweet caramelised onions, fragrant herbs, and a hearty beef broth come together to create a rich, warming dish. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a taste of traditional French comfort food.
Try our recipe:
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 400g fresh onions, peeled and sliced (you can find great ones at the La Souterraine market!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp flour
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 litre beef broth
- 2 slices of sourdough or country bread
- 80g grated Comté or Gruyère cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Heat a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then the sliced onions, thyme, bay leaf, a pinch of salt (go easy since the broth can be salty), and pepper. Cook gently for about 20 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft and just starting to caramelise.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat evenly.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer gently for another 20 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and the flavours to deepen.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- While the soup simmers, toast the bread slices under the grill until golden.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of toast on top of each, and cover generously with grated cheese.
- Place the bowls under the grill until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.
- Finish with a crack of fresh pepper and a sprig of thyme for garnish.
Serving Suggestions
French onion soup is a meal in itself, but it also pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a crisp glass of white wine. It’s perfect as a starter for a cosy dinner or a light lunch on its own.
Discover Halcyon Retreat
Whether you’re a passionate home cook or simply enjoy the pleasure of fresh, local flavors, Halcyon Retreat offers the perfect setting for your culinary adventures. Our resort plans to feature various dining options and a charming patisserie onsite, so you can indulge without lifting a finger. And if you prefer to cook yourself, all our properties come with fully equipped kitchens, giving you the freedom to create delicious meals with fresh local produce. Whether you choose to dine out, order in, or cook in your own holiday home, Halcyon Retreat makes every meal a memorable part of your stay.
