French Onion Soup Formality (2024)

FAQs

French Onion Soup Formality? ›

With such a soup, a knife is your friend, not your enemy. Using both the soup spoon and the knife, push the baked cheese against the rim of the cup or bowl and cut it gently with the knife. Once you've broken the cheese barrier, you can use the knife again to nudge bits of cheese onto the spoon.

With such a soup, a knife is your friend, not your enemy. Using both the soup spoon and the knife, push the baked cheese against the rim of the cup or bowl and cut it gently with the knife. Once you've broken the cheese barrier, you can use the knife again to nudge bits of cheese onto the spoon.

A few sprigs of thyme and a bay leaf elevate the soup even more, but I take it a step further, adding a splash of fish sauce for complexity and depth—don't worry, it won't taste fishy—and a hit of cider vinegar to balance some of that oniony sweetness.

The Onion Soup, a traditional and warming dish

It has even become a trendy dish that tourists are eager to try to experience French gastronomy. However, onion soup is in fact not part of French people's daily meals. It was originally meant to be eaten after a family reunion in the middle of the night to cure hangovers…

For French onion soup, it is best to slice the onions into thin, even slices. This will allow them to cook evenly and caramelize properly.

Soups are not to be blown. If the soup is hot, patiently wait 1-2 minutes, and then fill the spoon, skimming from the top of the soup. Clear soups, broths and heartier soups are eaten by placing the spoon point first in the mouth. No slurping allowed.

Eating with your hands is considered impolite, so make sure to tuck into that steak frites with your knife and fork. Notable exceptions include bread and certain dishes including asparagus. One thing you may have noticed in France is people do not cut their salads. Do so, and you might receive a few funny looks.

The classic French onion soup gets its name from its country of origin: France. After making its debut in the 18th century, it has become a national treasure. During ancient times (and still today), onions were cheap and easy to grow, and hence, readily available.

What is the Difference Between Onion Soup and French Onion Soup? French onion soup is always made with beef stock. Other onion soups can be made with chicken, vegetable, or beef stock. Additionally, French onion soup typically contains wine or sherry, which isn't typical or necessary in other onion soups.

French onion soup is the ultimate comfort food. Onions get slowly cooked until sweet and caramelized, then simmered in rich broth until they're practically falling apart. To finish it off, toasted bread is added to give it that lovable crisp-gone-soggy texture and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese is melted on top.

Do you eat French onion soup with a spoon? ›

You'll need a spoon and, surprisingly, a knife may also be helpful. Yes, a knife! While many people assume that knives should be kept away from soups, French onion soup is the exception. A knife is invaluable for cutting through the layer of cheese and bread that crowns the bowl.

I love using red onions in this cozy and comforting classic. They get a deeper caramelization and the flavour is more complex in my opinion. A super easy recipe to try out! #frenchonionsoup #frenchonion #soup #easyrecipe #comfortfood.

There are several reasons why this might happen: Insufficient caramelization: The key to a flavorful French onion soup lies in properly caramelizing the onions. If the onions are not cooked long enough or over low heat, they won't develop the sweet and rich flavor that is characteristic of this soup.

And when soup is served, it's usually served lukewarm. While English has the expression “Eat it while it's hot”, in France you wouldn't want to eat soup that is too hot. When I spent time with my host family in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, we would wait for the soup to cool down before eating it.

Only a small piece of roll at a time (never the whole thing) should be buttered, with a butter knife. Soup should be spooned away from you with the bowl tilted away and even if it's steaming hot, never embarrass yourself by blowing on it!

When served noodle dishes in smaller bowls, it is polite to pick up the bowl with one hand and lead it close to your mouth when eating from it. In Korea, however, it is never polite to lift your bowl off the table. Bowls always remain on the table while eating. In China, never tap your bowl with your chopsticks.

Fingers are fine -- if you're using them for the rest of your meal. So if you're polishing off a hamburger or another kind of sandwich, utensils aren't required. But if the entrée is a steak or some other food that requires a knife and fork, then you should cut up the fries and eat them with a fork.