French Onion Consommé

Ingredients

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 Vidalia onions, thinly sliced 2 Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup dry sherry 1/4 cup dry sherry
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) beef broth 8 cups (1.9 liters) beef broth
• 4 sprigs of fresh thyme 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 4 egg whites 4 egg whites
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef or veal 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef or veal
• 1/4 cup cold water 1/4 cup cold water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, shallots, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Sprinkle the sugar, salt, and black pepper over the onions and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
3. 3.
   Deglaze the pot with the dry sherry, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
4. 4.
   Add the beef broth, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   While the soup is simmering, prepare the raft. In a bowl, whisk together the egg whites, ground beef or veal, and cold water until well combined.
6. 6.
   Carefully pour the egg white mixture into the simmering soup, creating a raft on the surface. Do not stir.
7. 7.
   Let the soup simmer gently for 1 hour, allowing the raft to clarify the consommé.
8. 8.
   After 1 hour, gently break the raft with a spoon and carefully strain the consommé through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Discard the solids.
9. 9.
   Return the consommé to the pot and heat gently before serving. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
10. 10.
    Ladle the French Onion Consommé into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Onions — Slowly caramelizing the onions over low heat will bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the flavor of the consommé.
• Beef broth — Opt for a high-quality beef broth or make your own for the best flavor. If using store-bought, choose a low-sodium option to have better control over the saltiness of the consommé.
• Dry sherry — The dry sherry adds a subtle depth of flavor to the consommé. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can omit it or substitute with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar effect.
• Egg whites — Whisk the egg whites and ground meat mixture until well combined to create a stable raft that will effectively clarify the consommé.
• Straining the consommé — Take your time when straining the consommé to ensure a clear and smooth broth. Using a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter will help achieve the desired clarity.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the ground meat in the rafting process. However, note that the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• To save time, you can prepare the caramelized onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Serve the consommé with a slice of toasted baguette topped with melted Gruyere or Emmental cheese for a classic French Onion Soup twist.
• If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, you can add an extra onion or increase the amount of shallots in the recipe.
• Leftover consommé can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the French Onion Consommé as a starter for an elegant dinner party or as a comforting meal on its own. Garnish each bowl with fresh thyme leaves for a touch of freshness. Pair it with a crusty baguette or a side of mixed greens for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the French Onion Consommé in elegant soup bowls or small cups to showcase its clear and golden appearance. Place a slice of toasted baguette on top of each bowl and sprinkle with melted cheese for an enticing presentation. Serve with a side of fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color.