French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast

Why Make This Recipe

French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast is a cozy and hearty dish perfect for cold days. The combination of tender short ribs and caramelized onions creates a rich and flavorful broth. Topped with crispy Gruyère toast, this soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a great way to impress family and friends, and the aroma while it cooks will have everyone eagerly awaiting at the table.

How to Make French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons salted butter
• 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 shallots, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• Red chili flakes, to taste
• 6-8 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 star anise (optional)
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 6 slices French bread
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large oven-safe Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add the onions and cook for about 10 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Season with black pepper.
4. Stir in the shallots, garlic, thyme, sage, and red chili flakes.
5. Add the short ribs to the pot.
6. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, then add tamari, bay leaves, and star anise if you’re using it.
7. Cover and transfer to the oven. Roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
8. Add the baby carrots during the last 1-2 hours of cooking.
9. Remove from the oven, discard bay leaves and star anise, remove the bones, shred the meat, and return it to the pot on low heat. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
10. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange French bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes until slightly crisp.
11. Switch to broil, top each slice with Gruyère, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
12. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a slice of cheesy toast. Garnish with black pepper and fresh thyme.

How to Serve French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast

Serve this delicious soup hot in deep bowls. Place a slice of Gruyère toast on top of each serving. You can garnish with extra fresh thyme or a sprinkle of black pepper for an added touch. Pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast

If you have leftovers, let them cool before transferring them to an airtight container. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup without the bread for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop and add fresh toast.

Tips to Make French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast

• Make sure to cook the onions until they are nicely caramelized. This enriches the flavor of the soup.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine when cooking the onions.
• If you like your soup spicy, increase the amount of red chili flakes.
• You can replace the Gruyère cheese with other cheeses like Swiss or mozzarella if you prefer.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can use chicken instead of beef and add more vegetables like celery and bell peppers. You may also try adding some mushrooms for an extra umami flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. The flavors will deepen and develop overnight in the fridge.

What can I use instead of short ribs?
You can use chuck roast or brisket as a substitute for short ribs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the meat you choose.

Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce and check the broth for gluten-free options. Ensure the bread you use for toasting is also gluten-free.