While visiting Vermont’s Woodstock Inn, Senior Food and Home Editor Amy Traverso tasted this soup and thought it so delicious she declared it the best soup she’s ever had. Make it and taste for yourself why it shut down all the conversation at the table. She says it’s “creamy, a bit sweet from the onions, but balanced by a wonderful savoriness that reminded me of a great French onion soup.”
Special thanks to Chef Greg Farrell at The Woodstock Inn for sharing the recipe with us.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, peeled and thinly sliced
- 6 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, plus more to taste
- ½ cup sherry
- ¼ cup brandy
- 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cups heavy cream (can substitute light cream, see Note)
- 1 cup beef broth (see Note), plus more as needed
- 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded (see Note)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese (see Note)
- 2 ounces freshly grated Romano cheese (see Note)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garnish: Minced fresh chives
Instructions
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add onions, garlic, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir, cover, and cook 5 minutes. Remove cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions turn a deep golden brown, 20 to 25 more minutes. Add sherry and brandy, increase heat to medium-high, and cook until liquid is reduced by half. Add potato and thyme, stir, then add cream and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until potato is very tender, about 10 minutes. Puree soup in batches in a blender (or process with an immersion blender), then return to a simmer. If the soup seems too thick, add a bit more broth.
In a medium bowl, toss the Gruyère with the corn starch then whisk it into the soup with the Parmesan and Romano (if using). Check seasonings and add pepper and additional salt to taste. Garnish with chives and serve hot. Yield: 6 to 8 servings