When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like a comforting meal to warm you up. From hearty roast dinners with creamy mash and lashings of gravy to a classic shepherds’ pie, these dishes are perfect for battling the falling temperatures.
But when it comes to lighter meals or lunches, many people turn to a staple favourite – a warming bowl of soup. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is a big fan of this popular choice and often shares his favourite recipes with his Instagram followers.
As the UK faces a freezing spell, he has shared a substantial recipe that he claims is “properly perfect” for the cold weather. Describing it as “pure joy”, he reveals that his team member’s French Onion Soup recipe is a delight to make at home.
In a video demonstrating the simple steps to create the mouth-watering soup, he said: ” The classic French onion soup is a thing of pure joy….. Rich, buttery and super comforting, it’s properly perfect for the cold weather we’ve been having! @jossherd73 from my food team has developed this lovely recipe so you can all whip it up for yourselves.”, reports the Express.
Followers were quick to praise the finished dish, calling it “delicious”. Dominic commented: “Beautiful stuff”, while Rich added: “THIS ONE which we will be having now tonight.”
Niken simply said: “I want it” while Emma added: “Got to have this for supper now.” Connie also complimented the dish, saying: “Looks fantastic and love moderate use of cheese.”
Some fans expressed a preference for convenience over cooking from scratch when presented with the recipe. Arlene stated: “I would like your soup delivered please.” Meanwhile, Clare said: “Delish. Cept mine would never look that good but would happily eat any one else’s.”
Others offered their own cooking suggestions to the chef. Zee recommended: “It would be better to bake in separate, individual plates.” Deb said: “Looks so good but can’t do soggy lol. I’ll toast and eat separately.”
Jamie’s video showed his take on the recipe, complete with a flambé flourish which he described as just “a bit of theatre” assuring fans “you absolutely don’t have to” replicate that step at home.
French Onion Soup
Ingredients
4 large onions (1kg)
25g unsalted butter
olive oil
2 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
50ml dry vermouth or brandy
1.5 litres organic beef stock
Worcestershire sauce
8 small slices of sourdough baguette, or a small loaf
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Method
Peel and finely slice the onions. Put them in a large casserole pan on a low heat with the butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season with sea salt and cracked black pepper. Gently sweat with the lid on for 10 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally.
Peel and grate in the garlic, add the sugar and cook for 15 minutes, or until golden and caramelised.
Stir well, then add the vermouth or brandy. If you want to flambee it carefully tilt the pan to catch the flame or light with a long match then stand back! Once the flames have subsided, add the beef stock, cover with a lid and simmer for 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce.
Preheat the grill to high then when the soup is nearly done, place the sourdough slices on a baking tray and toast under the grill for 2 to 3 minutes on one side, or until lightly toasted.
Take out then turn over and spread the untoasted side with mustard, then arrange the slices on top of the soup, toasted side down, and grate over the cheese. Place the pan under the grill for a further 3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.
Serve in bowls, topping each with 2 of the toasts.