A Family That Eats Together: Guinness and Onion Soup with Irish Cheddar Crouton
Marin Mommies presents this week's guest recipe from Nicole Cibellis, Marin mom and author of the blog A Family that Eats Together, where she shares meal plans and recipes that will please foodies and children alike. Nicole is also the creator of the new Little Froglet line of children's activewear. Here's Nicole's meal plan for this week.
My Irish mother-in-law has been asking me for a great French onion soup for the longest time. I think I have found it. Not only is it easy to make but also it has Guinness in it to suffice her Irish blood. Don't fret about giving your kids this soup because of the Guinness. The alcohol burns off and leaves just a dark depth of flavor to the soup. My son loves this soup. The cheese croutons and sweetness that the onions impart on the broth is really remarkable. Recipe by Michael Chiarello.
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves minced garlic
- 8 cups thinly sliced onions
- Gray salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups dark beer (recommended: Guinness)
- 6 cups beef stock
- 6 slices country bread cut 1/2-inch thick, toasted
- 1/2 pound Irish cheddar, sliced thin
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and cook briefly to release aroma. Add onions, season with salt and cook for about 5 minutes stirring often. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are golden brown.
- Add the thyme, vinegar, and beer. Reduce beer by half and add the beef stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 more minutes.
- Preheat the broiler. Transfer soup to an ovenproof serving dish or individual ovenproof soup bowls. Top with toasted bread slices and sliced cheddar. Broil until cheese melts and starts to brown slightly. Serve piping hot.
