# French Onion and Leek Soup

> Gabcooks-style French onion soup: slowly caramelized onions and leeks, deglazed with bourbon, a touch of ginger and topped with melted Swiss cheese.

- URL: https://gabcooks.com/en/recipes/onion-leek-soup/
- Yield: 6 servings
- Prep: 20 min
- Cook: 1 h 20 min
- Total: 1 h 40 min
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: Québécois
- Tags: Soup, One-pot
- Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDLmx6Ms-80

## Ingredients

- 6 large yellow onions
- 2 leeks (mainly the white part)
- 2 heaping spoonfuls butter (about)
- 2.5 to 3 L broth (2 parts beef to 1 part chicken)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
- bourbon or dark beer, for deglazing (optional)
- 18 slices crusty bread (leftover baguette) (½ inch, toasted)
- 3 cups Swiss-style cheese, for topping (300 g, grated)
- salt and pepper

### Optional seasonings

- 2 bay leaves
- oregano
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (about)

## Instructions

1. Thinly slice the onions and the white part of the leeks.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter. Add the vegetables and ½ glass of water. Once softened, lower to LOW and caramelize 45 to 60 minutes, until golden.
3. Season with salt and pepper and deglaze with bourbon, scraping the bottom.
4. Add the grated ginger, broth and seasonings. Simmer 15 minutes.
5. Ladle into oven-safe bowls, ¾ full. Top with bread and cheese. Broil 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely.

## Notes

The best version of French onion soup, if you ask me: add leeks, a touch of ginger and deglaze with bourbon (or dark beer). The secret is patience while it caramelizes, and it’s worth it.

Careful with that first spoonful, it’s seriously hot!

## Products I use

_As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases._

- [Microplane grater](https://amzn.to/4a6ugn5)
- [Microplane grater with cover](https://amzn.to/4pViNeW)
- [Soup bowls for broiling](https://amzn.to/3LUi13M) — For gratinating the soup