*Craving a cozy and comforting meal to warm you up this fall? Look no further than this delicious French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup! With rich flavors and tender beef short ribs, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your household.*
**Ingredients:**
– 2 lbs beef short ribs
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 6 cups beef broth
– 1 cup red wine
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 French baguette, sliced
– 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot, brown the beef short ribs on all sides. Remove from pot and set aside.
2. Add onions to the pot and cook until caramelized. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Return the beef short ribs to the pot.
4. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
5. Preheat broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and top with a slice of baguette and a sprinkle of Gruyere cheese.
6. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
**Nutrition Information:**
– Calories: 450
– Total Fat: 28g
– Saturated Fat: 12g
– Cholesterol: 120mg
– Sodium: 800mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 15g
– Dietary Fiber: 2g
– Sugars: 4g
– Protein: 30g
**Popular questions:**
1. *Can I use a different type of cheese for this soup?*
– Yes, you can substitute Gruyere cheese with Swiss or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
2. *Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?*
– Yes, you can brown the beef short ribs and caramelize the onions before transferring everything to a slow cooker to cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. *Can I omit the red wine from the recipe?*
– Yes, you can substitute the red wine with additional beef broth for a non-alcoholic version of the soup.
4. *Can I freeze this soup for later?*
– Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
5. *Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?*
– While beef broth adds a richer flavor, you can use chicken broth as a substitute if needed.
6. *Can I make this soup vegetarian?*
– You can omit the beef short ribs and use vegetable broth instead to make a vegetarian version of this soup.
7. *How can I make this soup gluten-free?*
– Ensure the Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free and substitute the French baguette with gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version of the soup.
8. *How can I adjust the seasoning to my taste?*
– Taste the soup after cooking and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference.
9. *Can I add other vegetables to this soup?*
– You can add carrots, celery, or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
10. *What can I serve with this soup?*
– This soup pairs well with a side salad, crusty bread, or a simple green vegetable on the side.
**Helpful tips:**
1. *For a deeper flavor, sear the beef short ribs until they are well-browned before adding the other ingredients.*
2. *Use a good quality red wine for added complexity in the soup.*
3. *Top the soup with the baguette and cheese just before serving to ensure a crispy topping.*
4. *Allow the soup to simmer slowly for maximum tenderness in the beef.*
5. *Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.*
6. *For added richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.*
7. *Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more broth if needed.*
8. *For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.*
9. *Make a double batch and freeze individual portions for easy meal prep.*
10. *Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist on this classic recipe.*
**Expert Secrets:**
1. *Let the soup rest for a few hours after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.*
2. *Skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface before serving.*
3. *For a thicker soup, remove some of the beef short ribs and puree a portion of the soup before adding the meat back in.*
4. *Add a splash of sherry vinegar for an extra layer of acidity.*
5. *To enhance the beefy flavor, use bone-in beef short ribs.*
6. *Grate fresh nutmeg over the soup before serving for a warm, spicy note.*
7. *Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.*
8. *For added depth, add a parmesan rind to the pot while cooking.*
9. *For a smoky flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika to the broth.*
10. *Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet touch.*
Enjoy your delicious French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup! Perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. #FrenchOnionSoup #BeefShortRibs #ComfortFood #FallRecipes 🍲🍁🍂
