Prepare Onions: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add julienne-cut onions, Herbes de Provence, and salt.
2 teaspoons Olive Oil, 1 ½ lb Onions, ½ teaspoons Herbs de Provence
Caramelize Onions: Allow onions to caramelize, stirring occasionally. Add a ladle of broth when onions start to brown, letting it evaporate before adding more. Repeat 3-4 times until onions are uniformly caramelized.
2 cups Chicken Broth
Add Wine: Pour in the wine and simmer until evaporated.
¼ cup White wine
Make Croutons: Cut baguette slices, drizzle with oil, and fry until golden.
3 slices baguette
Thicken Soup: Add the all-purpose flour to caramelized onions, ensuring no lumps. Gradually add chicken broth or water to achieve the desired soup density. Adjust salt to taste.
2 teaspoons All-purpose Flour, 1 ½ cup Chicken Broth
Serve: Place a toasted bread slice in each ramekin. Pour soup over bread, top with grated cheese.
6 tablespoons Gruyere Cheese
Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) until cheese is melted and golden.
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Notes
Wine Pairing: Enhance your dining experience by pairing this soup with a glass of dry white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the rich flavors of the soup beautifully.
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with the herbs in your province seasoning mix. Adding a bay leaf during simmering can introduce an additional layer of flavor, which can be removed before serving.
Cheese Crust Tip: For an extra crispy cheese crust, place your oven-proof soup bowls under the broiler for a couple of minutes after adding the cheese-topped bread. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Onion Cutting Technique: Slice your onions thin and consistently to ensure even caramelization. Cutting them too thick can result in unevenly cooked onions.
Soup Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can slightly increase the amount of flour used for thickening. Be careful not to make it too thick, as the charm of this soup is in its slightly brothy nature.
Leftover Idea: If you have leftover soup (without the bread and cheese), consider using it as a base for a stew or a sauce for other dishes, adding a rich onion flavor to your meals.