Instant Pot French Onion Soup

When it comes to comforting and delicious soups, French Onion Soup is a classic favorite that never goes out of style. It is rich, savory, and loaded with caramelized onions and melted cheese. But making it can be a time-consuming task until the Instant Pot came into the picture! With this kitchen appliance, you can whip up a batch of French Onion Soup in no time.

As a busy working professional, I always look for ways to save time in the kitchen without sacrificing taste. That's when I discovered the Instant Pot French Onion Soup recipe. I was skeptical at first, but the result was a flavor-packed soup that tasted like it had been simmering for hours. Plus, it was effortless to make, which was perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 6 cups of beef broth
• 1 cup of red wine
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 baguette, sliced
• 2 cups of shredded Gruyere cheese

How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Soup:

• Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the butter until it melts.
• Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are caramelized and tender.
• Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir until it is fully combined.
• Pour in the beef broth, red wine, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
• Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
• Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
• Top each bowl with a slice of baguette and shredded Gruyere cheese.
• Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Why Use an Instant Pot for French Onion Soup?

The Instant Pot is perfect for making French Onion Soup because it speeds up the cooking process, while still producing a rich and flavorful soup. The pressure cooking function helps to infuse the flavors into the soup, making it taste like it's been simmering for hours.

Tips for Making the Perfect French Onion Soup:

• Use a mix of sweet and yellow onions for a balanced flavor.
• Cook the onions until they are caramelized and tender.
• Use a good quality beef broth for a rich and savory flavor.
• Don't skip the wine - it adds depth and complexity to the soup.
• Use Gruyere cheese for a traditional flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

French Onion Soup is traditionally served with a slice of toasted bread on top and melted cheese. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for added flavor and color. Serve it alongside a green salad or a crusty baguette for a complete meal.

Variations:

Vegetarian French Onion Soup: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit the bacon or substitute it with a vegetarian bacon substitute.
French Onion Soup with a Twist: Add some sliced mushrooms or shredded chicken to the soup for a twist on the classic recipe.
French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese: Turn the soup into a grilled cheese sandwich by sandwiching it between two slices of bread with melted cheese.

How to Store It:

If you have any leftover soup, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

How to Refrigerate It:

To reheat the soup, simply transfer it to a pot and heat it over medium heat until it is heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe container.

FAQs:

Can I use white wine instead of red wine?

Yes, you can use white wine, but it will change the flavor of the soup slightly.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as Swiss or Mozzarella. However, Gruyere is the traditional cheese used in French Onion Soup.

Can I make this soup on the stove?

Yes, you can make this soup on the stove by following the same steps, but instead of using an Instant Pot, you will use a large pot or Dutch oven.

Conclusion:

If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make soup, then this Instant Pot French Onion Soup recipe is perfect for you. It's savory, comforting, and loaded with flavor. Plus, it's a crowd-pleaser, so you can impress your friends and family with this classic soup.