Company Onion Soup

Company Onion Soup is a delectable and hearty dish that celebrates the superb sweetness of Walla Walla onions from the region of Walla Walla, Washington. A cherished recipe by Rose Marie Moore, this soup is a true testament to the remarkable flavor of the local onions. Invite your family to savor the rich flavors of this comforting soup and see how it becomes an instant favorite.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 large sweet or Walla Walla onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 6 cups beef broth, divided
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 thick slices French bread
• Additional unsalted butter
• Garlic salt or 1 garlic clove, halved
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Saute the sliced onions until tender.
2. Sprinkle sugar over the onions and reduce the heat. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they caramelize and develop a rich sweetness, which takes about 20 minutes.
3. Add 3 cups of beef broth to the caramelized onions and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
4. Stir in the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cover the Dutch oven and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Meanwhile, spread both sides of the French bread slices with additional unsalted butter. Sprinkle garlic salt on the buttered slices or rub them with the cut-side of a garlic clove. Broil the bread slices until they turn golden brown, then flip them to brown the other side.
6. Ladle the hot soup into individual ovenproof soup bowls.
7. Place a slice of the toasted bread in each bowl, floating it on the soup. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese over the bread slices.
8. Broil the soup bowls until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly, creating a delicious and satisfying crust on top.

YIELD: 4 servings

PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes

COOKING TIME: 65 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• The caramelization of onions is a crucial step in developing the rich and sweet flavors of the soup. Take your time to ensure the onions caramelize evenly and do not burn.

TIPS:

• Use sweet or Walla Walla onions to truly experience the unique and delightful taste of this soup.
• For a touch of sophistication, opt for Gruyere cheese, but Swiss cheese is an excellent alternative for this dish.

In conclusion, Company Onion Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that showcases the exceptional sweetness of Walla Walla onions from Walla Walla, Washington. Crafted with love by Rose Marie Moore, this soup is an absolute delight that will become a cherished favorite for your family.

The combination of tender caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce creates a rich and satisfying base for this soup. Topped with toasted French bread and a generous sprinkling of Gruyere or Swiss cheese, this soup is elevated to a hearty and indulgent delight.

Walla Walla sweet onions, officially recognized as Washington’s state vegetable, have a fascinating history that dates back to the late 1880s when they were introduced from Corsica, Italy. Over the years, local farmers have perfected the cultivation of these onions, resulting in even larger and sweeter varieties.

For a more sophisticated experience, opt for Gruyere cheese to enhance the flavors. However, Swiss cheese serves as a delightful alternative, ensuring a scrumptious and satisfying crust on top of the soup.

So, gather your ingredients and invite your family to enjoy the delightful taste of Company Onion Soup. Let the exceptional sweetness of Walla Walla onions and the heartiness of this flavorful soup bring warmth and comfort to your table.