Smoky Grilled French Onion Soup on the Arteflame

Ingredients

• 6 large yellow onions, peeled and sliced into thick rings
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 baguette, sliced
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour a little vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the grill and stack firewood over them.
3. Light the paper and let the firewood catch.
4. Allow the grill to preheat for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Grill the onions

1. Spread butter on the flat cooktop near the hot center.
2. Place onion rings on the griddle, allowing them to caramelize for 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Move them to a slightly cooler zone to soften fully without burning.
4. Remove the grilled onions and set aside.

Step 3: Make the soup

1. Move the onions back to the cooktop and add wine, allowing it to deglaze for 2 minutes.
2. Pour in beef broth and chicken broth, mixing in fresh thyme and balsamic vinegar.
3. Let it simmer on a cooler section of the griddle for 15 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Toast the bread

1. Place baguette slices on the cooktop.
2. Grill for 1-2 minutes per side until crisp and golden.

Step 5: Assemble and serve

1. Place toasted bread on the soup and top with shredded Gruyère.
2. Allow the cheese to melt from the heat of the soup.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips

• For extra smokiness, place an uncut onion directly on the grill grate to pick up more fire-kissed flavor.
• Adjust the onion caramelization time based on your preference—darker onions give a deeper flavor.
• Use a mix of beef and chicken stock for a well-rounded broth.

Variations

1. Spicy French Onion Soup: Add red pepper flakes and a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Garlic French Onion Soup: Grill whole garlic cloves with the onions for a more garlicky version.
3. Mushroom French Onion Soup: Sear sliced mushrooms alongside the onions to add an earthy depth.
4. Herb-Infused French Onion Soup: Add rosemary and sage for a more herbaceous flavor.
5. Bourbon French Onion Soup: Replace white wine with bourbon for a richer, smoky taste.

Conclusion

This smoky grilled French onion soup is the ultimate way to enjoy this classic dish with an added depth of flavor. The Arteflame grill brings out the natural sweetness of the onions while giving them a subtle wood-fired essence. With crispy baguette slices and melty Gruyère cheese, this is comfort food at its finest.

Best Pairings

• A glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
• Grilled steak seared on the Arteflame
• Fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette