Description
Onion Soup with Sage and Cheddar is a hearty, comforting twist on the classic French onion soup. Featuring slow-cooked onions, leeks, fresh sage, and cheesy croutons with mature Cheddar, this rich soup is perfect for cozy nights or chilly days.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 knob of unsalted butter
- Olive oil
- 1 handful of fresh sage leaves (reserve 8 leaves for garnish)
- 6 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
- 5 red onions, peeled and sliced
- 3 large white onions, peeled and sliced
- 3 banana shallots, peeled and sliced
- 300g leeks, trimmed, washed, and sliced
- 2 liters of good-quality hot beef, chicken, or vegetable stock
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Cheesy Croutons:
- 8 slices of good-quality stale bread, 2cm thick
- 200g mature Cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- Worcestershire sauce
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Melt butter with olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add crushed garlic and most of the sage leaves. Cook until fragrant.
- Cook the Onions and Leeks:
- Add red onions, white onions, shallots, and leeks. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover with a lid slightly ajar and cook gently for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the lid for the last 20 minutes to caramelize the onions.
- Add the Stock:
- Pour in the hot stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheesy Croutons:
- Preheat oven or grill to the highest setting.
- Toast bread slices until golden on both sides.
- Ladle soup into heatproof bowls. Top each with a bread slice and grated Cheddar.
- Add a few drops of Worcestershire sauce and a sage leaf brushed with olive oil.
- Grill and Serve:
- Place bowls on a baking tray and grill until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Serve immediately, taking care as the bowls will be hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
- Customize with different cheeses like Gruyère or Red Leicester.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the bread with gluten-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: British
