French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

Ingredients List

• 2 pounds beef short ribs – bone-in for maximum flavor; boneless chuck roast can substitute in a pinch
• 4 large yellow onions – thinly sliced (about 6 cups); sweet Vidalia onions offer a milder alternative
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – extra virgin preferred for its fruity notes
• 2 tablespoons butter – unsalted; plant-based butter works for dairy-free versions
• 4 cloves garlic – minced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder can substitute
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves – 1 teaspoon dried thyme works too
• 1 bay leaf – fresh or dried
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – gluten-free flour blend works for GF diets
• 1 cup dry red wine – Burgundy or Pinot Noir recommended; beef stock can replace for alcohol-free version
• 6 cups beef broth – homemade preferred, but low-sodium store-bought works well
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – adds umami depth
• 1 baguette – sliced into 1-inch rounds; gluten-free bread available for GF diets
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese – freshly grated; Swiss or Emmental make good substitutes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste

Timing

This french onion beef short rib soup requires patience but rewards abundantly. Preparation takes approximately 30 minutes for ingredient prep, while cooking spans 3 hours total – significantly less than the traditional 5+ hours for separate short rib preparation.

The caramelization process alone takes 45-60 minutes, representing nearly a third of the active cooking time. This investment creates the foundation of flavor that distinguishes this soup from quicker, less developed versions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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