Hearty Onion and Lemon Soup
This Hearty Onion and Lemon Soup offers a comforting, zesty, and savory experience perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced about 6 cups
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth, low sodium
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest from 1-2 lemons
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish optional
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes, or until deeply golden brown and caramelized. This process takes time, but it is crucial for developing the rich flavor of the soup. Ensure your onions achieve that perfect golden hue, as this answers the common question, 'How to achieve perfectly caramelized onions?'
- Add Aromatics: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Using a high-quality vegetable broth is key here, addressing 'What kind of broth is best for Hearty Onion and Lemon Soup?'.
- Add Lemon and Season: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust as needed, remembering that fresh lemon adds a bright kick. If you find your soup bland, adding a touch more salt or a splash of white wine while deglazing can enhance flavor, answering 'Why is my Hearty Onion and Lemon Soup bland?'.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the hot Hearty Onion and Lemon Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. For a heartier meal, serve with a slice of toasted crusty bread on the side.
Notes
- For extra depth, deglaze the pot with 1/2 cup of dry white wine after caramelizing the onions, before adding the broth.
- Don't rush the onion caramelization; it's the foundation of the soup's flavor.
- Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best vibrant flavor; bottled juice won't provide the same brightness. If your soup seems bland, consider whether you've seasoned adequately or given the onions enough time to develop their sweetness.
- Consider using a blend of herbs like fresh parsley or bay leaves in addition to thyme for a more complex aroma. This directly addresses 'What herbs pair well with Hearty Onion and Lemon Soup?'.