The Versatile French Onion Soup

Soup is a great compliment to a fine meal and is also a good, light meal by itself. French onion soup is a most pleasing soup to begin a meal or to be a principle part of a meal. Its full, rich and savory flavor compliments beef main dishes. Of course, it also goes very well with other main dishes, such as chicken, veal, lamb, fish, etc.

The soup is especially well suited to beef dishes because of its robust flavor. As part of a soup and sandwich combination, it goes very well with beef sandwiches, such as French dip sandwiches. Again, it also goes well with many other meat and/or vegetable sandwiches, as well. By itself, it is surprisingly satisfying as a light meal.

In France, it is a tradition for French onion soup to be the first soup eaten in the New Year. It is even believed by many to relieve the after effects of a night of partying on New Year's Eve. Whether it does or not, it is a delicious way to begin the New Year.

Many restaurants, French or otherwise, have French onion soup on the menu. Its popularity has made it a staple of restaurant and cafes around the world. The ease of preparation certainly makes it one of the favorites with busy chefs and patrons love the rich flavor. This explains why it can be found in places ranging from roadside diners to haute cuisine restaurants.

The versatility of the soup extends to the amount made at a time. By making simple adjustments to the amount of ingredients used, it is just as easy to make for 20 as it is to make for two. There are only a few ingredients - brown onions, Swiss cheese, butter, olive oil, white wine, water, salt and pepper and toasted farmhouse bread. With so few ingredients and the simple cooking steps, it is hard to imagine such a rich tasting soup being the result.

French onion soup is an easy way to turn a simple dinner party menu into a gourmet feast with its rich, brown color and savory taste. It really sets off a basic roast beef or chicken dinner. It is also great for a light luncheon with friends. It doesn't have to be a formal dinner to enjoy this soup, though it is a perfect compliment to them.

When a rich flavored soup is wanted to impress your guests or to simply provide a satisfying compliment, remember the robust French onion soup. Easy to prepare and so easy to enjoy.