Introduction: A Hearty, Comforting Dish
French Onion Short Rib Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together the richness of tender short ribs with the sweet, caramelized onions and savory broth characteristic of classic French onion soup. The addition of short ribs takes this traditional soup to the next level, adding depth and complexity of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner to enjoy on a cold evening or a dish to impress guests at a dinner party, this soup delivers the perfect balance of comforting and indulgent.
This recipe brings together simple ingredients but offers a deeply satisfying experience. It’s ideal for those who appreciate rich flavors, melting cheese, and a heartwarming meal. In this blog post, we’ll guide you step by step on how to prepare French Onion Short Rib Soup, including tips, variations, and more to make the perfect bowl of soup that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients for French Onion Short Rib Soup
This dish is loaded with flavor thanks to its carefully chosen ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds bone-in short ribs: Short ribs are the star of the dish, providing a rich, meaty flavor. Braised in the soup, they become incredibly tender and full of savory goodness.
- 3 large yellow onions (thinly sliced): Onions are essential for the base of this soup. When caramelized, they turn sweet and rich, adding depth and sweetness to the broth.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic adds an aromatic, savory layer of flavor to the soup.
- 4 cups beef broth: A high-quality beef broth will give your soup a deep, hearty flavor.
- 2 cups dry red wine: Red wine adds a rich depth of flavor and helps deglaze the pot, lifting all those delicious caramelized bits from the bottom.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: This adds an umami kick to the soup, enhancing the overall richness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the onions and browning the short ribs.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds a fragrant, herbal note to the soup.
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh): Thyme complements the savory flavors of the short ribs and onions perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: The acidity balances out the sweetness of the onions and adds complexity to the broth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): For seasoning the soup.
- 4 slices of French bread (or baguette): This will be toasted and placed on top of the soup for a satisfying crunch.
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese): Gruyère melts beautifully and creates a rich, gooey topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions for French Onion Short Rib Soup
This soup is incredibly easy to make but requires patience to bring out the full richness of the flavors. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Brown the Short Ribs
Start by seasoning the short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the short ribs on all sides until they are browned. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the short ribs from the pot and set them aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
In the same Dutch oven, add the sliced onions. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes. The onions should slowly caramelize, turning golden brown and soft. This is a key step in developing the deep, sweet flavor in the soup.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Deglaze
Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Be sure not to burn the garlic. After the garlic has become fragrant, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot. Scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits, known as fond, are full of flavor and will add richness to your broth.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Once the wine has reduced by about half, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, thyme, and balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together to combine. Return the short ribs to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the broth. Bring the soup to a simmer.
Step 5: Braise the Short Ribs
Cover the Dutch oven with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer for about 2-2.5 hours. The short ribs should be tender and easy to shred with a fork. Occasionally check the liquid level to ensure it doesn’t evaporate too much. If necessary, add a bit more broth or water to keep the short ribs submerged.
Step 6: Shred the Short Ribs
Once the short ribs are tender, remove them from the pot and use a fork to shred the meat, discarding the bones. Return the shredded short rib meat to the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Prepare the Toasted Bread
While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the French bread slices on a baking sheet and broil them for 1-2 minutes until they are golden and crispy on both sides.
Step 8: Assemble the Soup
Once the soup is ready and the bread is toasted, ladle the soup into individual bowls. Place a slice of toasted French bread on top of each bowl. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese generously over the bread. Return the bowls to the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bowls from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of French Onion Short Rib Soup with a side salad or enjoy it on its own.
Cooking Tips for Perfect French Onion Short Rib Soup
- Caramelize the onions slowly: Don’t rush this process! The more slowly the onions cook, the more they will caramelize, which gives the soup its signature sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Use high-quality beef broth: For the richest flavor, opt for a good-quality beef broth or stock. Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works well too.
- Don’t skip the wine: The wine helps deglaze the pot and adds a depth of flavor that really elevates the broth. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with more broth, but the soup will miss that extra layer of complexity.
- Make ahead: This soup can be made a day ahead! In fact, the flavors improve overnight. Just reheat the soup on the stove and assemble with the toasted bread and cheese when ready to serve.
Variations of French Onion Short Rib Soup
- Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can be added along with the onions for an earthy flavor that complements the richness of the short ribs.
- Use Different Cheese: If you don’t have Gruyère, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or provolone can also work. However, Gruyère offers a unique, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the soup.
- Make it Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a little kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make this soup in a slow cooker, brown the short ribs and onions in a skillet first. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the wine, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the short ribs are tender and easy to shred.
2. Can I freeze French Onion Short Rib Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop. Assemble the toasted bread and cheese just before serving.
3. Can I substitute the short ribs with another cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like chuck roast, but short ribs are preferred for their rich, tender texture when braised. You can also use beef stew meat if short ribs are not available.
4. Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
To make a vegetarian version, you can skip the short ribs and use a vegetable broth. You could also add plant-based meat alternatives like seitan or tempeh for a protein-packed option.
Conclusion: A Rich and Comforting Meal
French Onion Short Rib Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion that calls for a cozy, satisfying meal. The tender short ribs combined with the sweet caramelized onions, savory broth, and cheesy toast make each spoonful pure bliss. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out, and it’s easy to make despite its complex flavors.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a weekday dinner or serving it at a dinner party, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its rich flavors, hearty texture, and delicious cheese topping, French Onion Short Rib Soup will quickly become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in this comforting dish today!
