The French love their onion soup. You can get yourself a bowl of this rustic soup at almost any restaurant in France. The soup is simple, delicious, and satisfying.

Onions have been a soup ingredient since the ancient Romans conquered Europe. The French, however have elevated onion soup into a work of art. Once a cheap way to fill the bellies of the poor, onions are still very cheap and easy to grow. Legend has it that King Louis XV himself came up with onion soup. Coming home empty handed from hunting, all he could find in the royal kitchens were onions, champagne, and butter. Chopping up the onions, he sauted them in butter and added the champagne, creating the illustrious dish we all enjoy today.

In reality, onion soup probably originated with laborers in the Lyon silk industry. These workers would put in 18 hours a day weaving the silk and then screening it for the aristocracy. They were paid very little, so they would make what food they could afford. Since onions were cheap and plentiful, they were a common ingredient. In France, onion soup is known as soupe a l’oignon a la lyonnaise, in honor of the town of Lyon.

No matter how French onion soup really came to be, we are very lucky to enjoy it now. Onion soup is served at restaurants that range from simple diners to five star eateries. Everyone has their own twist on the classic. Some have a sweeter taste, others are more tangy. If you find a place that makes it your favorite way, make sure you remember whom they are.

French onion soup is also easy to make at home. The recipe really is not complicated at all. Pick out several fresh onions from your local market and you will be ready to start cooking. Choose several different varieties for more depth of flavor.

A simple French onion soup recipe is easy. Chop your onions into small bits. If onions make you cry, try chilling them in the refrigerator first until they are cold. The coldness keeps the sulfur compounds from ranging, as far so you will not be as likely to cry.

Add your chopped onions to melted butter in a skillet. Over a low heat, let the onions slowly caramelize until they are soft and golden brown. They may be a little bit sticky at this point. Heat up some beef broth and add the caramelized onions. Let the soup simmer. You can add other seasonings or a little wine at this point.

When it is ready, put each serving into an ovenproof bowl. Top it with toasted French bread and some cheese. Put the bowls on a baking sheet and let the cheese broil until bubbly. If you do not have ovenproof bowls, make the cheese bread separately and place them on top of the soup after broiling. It will taste just as good, even if the cheese does not seal up the bowl.

An onion soup crock pot recipe will cook slowly throughout the day so you can come home to a meal that is all ready to eat. Include some potatoes and carrots in the bottom of the crock pot and the meal will be complete. Make one this week.

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