French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast

### **Instructions**

#### **1. Sear the Short Ribs**
1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
2. Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
3. Sear the ribs on all sides until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

#### **2. Caramelize the Onions**
1. In the same pot, melt the butter and add the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for **25–30 minutes**, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

#### **3. Deglaze and Build the Soup Base**
1. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
2. Return the short ribs to the pot and add the beef stock, bay leaf, and thyme.
3. Bring the soup to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for **2–3 hours**, until the short ribs are tender and the meat easily falls off the bone.

#### **4. Prepare the Gruyère Toast**
1. Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and toast for **5–7 minutes**, until lightly crisped.
3. Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over each slice and return to the oven. Bake for another **5–7 minutes**, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

#### **5. Assemble and Serve**
1. Remove the short ribs from the soup and shred the meat, discarding the bones. Return the meat to the pot.
2. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Ladle the soup into bowls, top with Gruyère toast, and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

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### **Tips for the Best French Onion Short Rib Soup**

1. **Low and Slow Cooking**: The key to tender short ribs and deeply flavorful soup is cooking at a low temperature for an extended period.
2. **Caramelize Thoroughly**: Take your time with the onions—they’re the foundation of the soup’s rich flavor.
3. **Choose Quality Cheese**: Gruyère is traditional, but you can use Comté or Emmental for a similar nutty, melty effect.
4. **Make It Ahead**: The soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld over time.

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### **Variations to Try**

– **Lighter Version**: Use chicken thighs and chicken stock for a lighter take on the recipe.
– **Vegetarian Option**: Replace short ribs with mushrooms and use vegetable stock.
– **Extra Cheesy**: Add a layer of Gruyère directly to the soup and broil until bubbly.

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### **Why This Recipe is a Winner**

**French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast** is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The combination of tender beef, caramelized onions, and cheesy, crispy bread makes it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or indulging in a quiet night at home, this recipe will leave you and your guests impressed and satisfied.

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### **Conclusion**

If you’re ready to take your soup game to the next level, this **French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast** is the way to go. It’s rich, hearty, and utterly delicious—a perfect dish to warm up a chilly evening or impress at your next gathering. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection!