Ruhlman's "Bouchon-style" Onion Soup

[Shel_B]

Has anyone made this? How'd it turn out? Any comments on the recipe/technique or variations you've tried? Thanks!

http://ruhlman.com/2011/10/french-onion-soup-recipe/

[Dana]

Yes, I've made this - several times. It's better than you can imagine. I add the red wine vinegar.

[Lisa Shock]

That's pretty much the way I make my onion soup, although I got my recipe long, long ago...

My advice is to use white onions, not yellow ones -the yellow ones never seem to break down properly. And, red/purple are too sweet IMO, although some people swear by adding a small % red onion.

If it comes out too pale in color, add a tiny amount of Worcestershire or dark soy sauce.

[huiray]

Too much cheese.

I prefer my onion soup to be onion soup, as opposed to melted cheese with onion flavor, however that onion flavor was achieved.

[Kim Shook]

I tested this recipe before the book was published and my notes indicate how surprised I was at how good the soup turned out without stock. Truly delicious.

[Shel_B]

Too much cheese.

I prefer my onion soup to be onion soup, as opposed to melted cheese with onion flavor, however that onion flavor was achieved.

So, use less cheese. The cheese is just a topping. FWIW, I agree with you.

[Shel_B]

I tested this recipe before the book was published and my notes indicate how surprised I was at how good the soup turned out without stock. Truly delicious.

More and more these days, I'm eliminating stock and using plain, good quality water in my soups. I, too, am generally pleased with using just water.

[Shel_B]

My advice is to use white onions, not yellow ones -the yellow ones never seem to break down properly. And, red/purple are too sweet IMO, although some people swear by adding a small % red onion.

If it comes out too pale in color, add a tiny amount of Worcestershire or dark soy sauce.

I've never had any problems carmelizing yellow onions. I caramelize long and slow, and get a nice, deep brown color as a result. Ruhlman's recipe calls for Spanish onions. I'd like to try using them just to see what the difference is between them and yellow onions.