Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of French cuisine with our Caramelized Onion and Shiitake Soup with Gruyere Blue Cheese Toasts! This soul-warming dish is perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests at your next dinner party. Imagine the sweet, caramelized onions mingling with the earthy shiitake mushrooms, all enveloped in a creamy broth, complemented by the irresistible crunch of cheesy toasts. Ready to elevate your culinary skills and tantalize your taste buds? Dive into this delightful recipe that promises to be a showstopper at your dining table!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 8 oz shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Thinly slice the two large onions and the shiitake mushrooms. Set them aside.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced onions.
- Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes or until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits, which will enhance the flavor.
- After the onions are caramelized, add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pot. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture.
- Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot again to incorporate any remaining flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the soup cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the 4 slices of bread on a baking sheet. Top each slice with a generous amount of grated Gruyere cheese and crumbled blue cheese.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- After the soup has simmered for 15 minutes, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream to add richness and creaminess to the soup. Allow it to heat through for another 5 minutes.
- Taste the soup one final time and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Ladle the caramelized onion and shiitake soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with the Gruyere blue cheese toasts on the side.
Tips
- Take Your Time with Caramelizing: The key to achieving deeply flavored onions is patience. Allow them to cook slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The longer you caramelize, the sweeter and more complex the flavor will become.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Opt for fresh shiitake mushrooms for the best texture and flavor. If you can find them, use organic vegetable broth to enhance the overall taste of the soup.
- Customize Your Cheeses: While Gruyere and blue cheese create a wonderful balance, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like fontina or goat cheese for a unique twist.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made a day in advance. Just reheat gently before serving and add the cream at the end to maintain its richness.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch, consider garnishing the soup with fresh herbs like chives or parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with a Side Salad: Pair the soup with a light side salad for a complete meal that balances the richness of the soup with fresh, crisp flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
