Zuppa di Cipolle: A Heartwarming Italian Onion Soup Recipe

Zuppa di Cipolle, or Italian onion soup, is a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings. This delightful recipe combines caramelized onions with rich broth, topped with melted cheese and crispy bread. From my own personal experience, this soup not only warms the body but also nourishes the soul, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or quiet nights at home. Let me show you how I make this classic Italian soup.

Notes on What to Expect

When you make Zuppa di Cipolle, expect a comforting, rich flavor with the sweetness of the caramelized onions balanced by the savory broth. The combination of the crispy bread and melted cheese creates a delightful contrast in texture.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $10 – $15
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main or Appetizer
• Equipment Needed: Large pot, wooden spoon, oven-safe bowls, knife, cutting board, and broiler.
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Zuppa di Cipolle  here.

Ingredients

• For the Soup:
  • 4 large onions (yellow or white), thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize the onions)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
• For the Topping:
  • 4 slices of crusty bread (like baguette or ciabatta)
  • 1 ½ cups grated cheese (Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
  • Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Zuppa di Cipolle  here.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

1. Heat the Oil and Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, combine olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt.
2. Add the Onions: Stir in the thinly sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions become caramelized and golden brown.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

3. Add Garlic and Herbs: Once the onions are caramelized, add minced garlic and thyme. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

5. Add Broth and Bay Leaf: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Taste and Adjust: Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

7. Toast the Bread: While the soup is simmering, preheat the broiler. Toast the slices of bread until golden brown, then set aside.

Step 5: Assemble and Broil

8. Ladle the Soup: Divide the soup into oven-safe bowls, placing a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl.
9. Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle the grated cheese over the bread.
10. Broil: Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Cheesy Delight: Experiment with different cheeses such as Fontina or Gouda for varied flavor profiles.
• Herbal Twist: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or fresh herbs like rosemary for a different depth of flavor.
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Zuppa di Cipolle  here.

Tips

• Caramelization: Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Lower heat will yield better flavor and color.
• Broth Choice: For a lighter soup, opt for low-sodium broth and add more herbs to enhance flavor without excess salt.
• Make Ahead: The soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for the topping.
• Lactose-Free: Substitute lactose-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 10g

I hope this guide has made making Zuppa di Cipolle seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment! Enjoy your cooking adventure!