Introduction
French Onion Short Rib Soup is a luxurious twist on the beloved French onion soup. It combines the deep, caramelized sweetness of onions with the rich, hearty flavor of braised short ribs. Finished with a bubbling layer of melted cheese over crusty bread, this dish is both rustic and refined, perfect for cold evenings or special occasions.
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Origin and Cultural Significance
French Onion Soup has origins in 18th-century France, where it was considered a humble dish made from inexpensive onions and broth. Over time, it evolved into a French classic, elevated with Gruyère cheese and toasted bread.
Short ribs bring in another element of French culinary tradition—slow braises and stews (like pot-au-feu). Combining these two traditions creates a modern yet deeply rooted dish that represents the artistry of French comfort food.
Today, French Onion Short Rib Soup is seen as a gourmet comfort food, blending everyday simplicity (onions and broth) with indulgence (beef, cheese, and wine).
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Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Short Ribs:
2 ½ lbs (1.1 kg) bone-in beef short ribs
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
6 cups beef stock
For the Onion Base:
6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp sugar (to help caramelization)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
2 bay leaves
½ cup dry sherry or white wine (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
1 baguette, sliced and toasted
2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded (or a mix of Gruyère and Swiss/Fontina)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
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Optional Additions
Herbs: Add rosemary or sage along with thyme.
Cheese Variety: Try Comté, Emmental, or Provolone for a different melt.
Depth of Flavor: A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end enhances sweetness.
Vegetables: Add mushrooms for earthiness or carrots for extra sweetness.
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Tips for Success
1. Caramelize patiently: Onions should cook low and slow (30–45 minutes) for deep flavor.
2. Sear the ribs well: Browning develops rich, beefy taste.
3. Deglaze properly: Use wine to lift the caramelized bits from the pot—it’s flavor gold.
4. Balance richness: A touch of acidity (wine, vinegar) prevents the soup from feeling too heavy.
5. Cheese crust: Broil until bubbling and golden for that classic French onion finish.
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Instructions
1. Prepare the short ribs: Season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven, sear ribs on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up browned bits. Add beef stock, return ribs, cover, and simmer 2–2 ½ hours until meat is tender. Remove ribs, shred meat, and discard bones. Strain broth if desired.
3. Caramelize onions: In another pot, melt butter with olive oil. Add onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until deeply golden (30–40 minutes). Add garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and optional sherry. Cook a few minutes more.
4. Combine: Stir shredded short rib meat into the onions. Add the enriched beef broth. Simmer 20 minutes to blend flavors. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Prepare topping: Toast baguette slices. Place soup in oven-safe bowls, top with bread, and cover generously with Gruyère.
6. Broil: Place under broiler until cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
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Description
This soup is a symphony of flavors: the sweet depth of caramelized onions, the richness of tender short rib meat, the savory broth infused with wine and herbs, and the irresistible melted cheese crust. Each spoonful balances comfort with sophistication, making it hearty enough for a main course.
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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.)
Calories: ~620 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 34 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 25% DV
(Values vary based on bread, cheese, and portion size.)
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Conclusion
French Onion Short Rib Soup is the perfect marriage of rustic charm and gourmet indulgence. It transforms simple ingredients into a dish worthy of a special meal, while still retaining the soul-warming qualities of traditional French onion soup.
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Recommendation
Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully. This soup also makes a stunning dinner-party centerpiece.
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Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Though decadent, this soup is filled with protein, minerals, and antioxidant-rich onions. Using leaner short ribs (or trimming excess fat), moderating cheese, and serving with whole-grain bread make it a nourishing indulgence. It proves that comfort food can be both luxurious and wholesome, embracing the best of both worlds.
