Soup Du Jour Recipe: A Versatile Delight for Any Day
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s brimming with flavour and made from simple, wholesome ingredients. This Soup Du Jour recipe, or “soup of the day,” combines the rich, savoury notes of French onion soup with the hearty goodness of a vegetable medley. With caramelised onions, fresh vegetables, and a crispy cheesy topping, this dish is sure to become a household favourite perfect for any time of year.
History
The term “soup du jour” translates directly from French as “soup of the day,” and is often used in restaurants to denote a fresh, chef-inspired creation. Originally, it became popular because it allowed chefs to make use of whatever ingredients were on hand, ensuring minimal waste while keeping menus exciting and seasonal. The tradition continues today, and soup du jour is often seen as a way to showcase the chef’s flair while offering diners something unique and tailored to the day’s freshest produce.
Serving Suggestions
This Soup Du Jour can easily be served as a light main course or a satisfying starter. Here are a few ways to elevate your meal:
- Side salad: Serve the soup alongside a fresh green salad, such as a simple rocket and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Crusty bread: In addition to the cheesy bread topping, offer extra crusty baguette slices for dipping. You could even rub them with garlic and olive oil for extra flavour.
- Cheese pairings: If you’re a cheese lover, add some extra Gruyère or Parmesan on the side to sprinkle on each spoonful.
For a heartier meal, consider pairing this soup with grilled chicken or a slice of savoury quiche.
Storing Instructions
If you have leftovers, you’ll be glad to know that this soup keeps well:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave a bit of room at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
When ready to enjoy again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen using the instructions below.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your Soup Du Jour, follow these steps to ensure it tastes just as good as when you first made it:
- Stovetop: Place the soup in a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, heat a portion of soup in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Cheesy topping: If you have leftover cheesy bread, you can refresh it by placing it under the grill for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts again.
Conclusion
We hope this Soup Du Jour becomes a regular fixture in your kitchen. With its comforting blend of vegetables, caramelised onions, and cheesy crouton topping, it’s bound to please every palate. Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables and add-ins to make it your own. We’d love to hear your take on this recipe, share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you’re craving more delicious ideas, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for new recipes each week.
How to make Soup Du Jour Recipe
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Soup Du Jour Recipe: A Versatile Delight for Any Day
Description
This Soup Du Jour Recipe combines the rich, savoury flavours of caramelised onions with fresh vegetables like cabbage and carrots, all simmered in a delicious broth. Topped with a slice of French bread and melted Gruyère cheese, this versatile soup is perfect for any day of the week, offering a comforting and satisfying meal. Ideal as a light main or hearty starter, it's a delightful blend of classic French onion soup and a wholesome vegetable medley.
Ingredients
Instructions
Caramelise the Onions:
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Heat the Oil and Butter
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and combined.
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Cook the Onions
Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelised, about 30 minutes.
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Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Deglaze and Simmer:
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Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
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Add Broth and Vegetables
Add the stock, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
Optional Add-ins:
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Add Beans and Seasonings
Stir in the cooked beans, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Simmer for another 10 minutes to enhance the flavours.
Prepare the Toppings:
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
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Prepare Cheesy Bread
Place the slices of French bread or baguette on a baking sheet. Sprinkle each slice with grated Gruyère cheese.
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Bake
Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Serve:
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Ladle the Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls.
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Add Cheesy Topping
Top each bowl with a slice of the cheesy bread.
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Garnish and Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Equipment
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- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- Calories from Fat 108kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Cholesterol 25mg9%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 12g24%
- Vitamin A 700 IU
- Vitamin C 20 mg
- Calcium 220 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin E 1.5 IU
- Vitamin K 40 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version of the soup.
- For added protein, choose white beans or chickpeas as your optional add-ins.
- If you prefer a milder flavour, substitute the Gruyère cheese with a lighter cheese like Emmental.
- The soup can be made a day ahead for even richer flavours.
- Ensure the bread slices are crispy before adding the cheese for the perfect texture.
- To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free bread for the topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Soup Du Jour Recipe can be made a day ahead. In fact, it often tastes better after the flavours have had time to develop. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Absolutely! This Soup Du Jour Recipe freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If Gruyère isn’t available, you can substitute it with cheeses like Emmental, Cheddar, or even Mozzarella for a melty, cheesy topping on your Soup Du Jour Recipe.If Gruyère isn’t available, you can substitute it with cheeses like Emmental, Cheddar, or even Mozzarella for a melty, cheesy topping on your Soup Du Jour Recipe.
It can be! Simply use vegetable stock instead of beef stock, and ensure any add-ins like beans or toppings are vegetarian-friendly.
To make this Soup Du Jour Recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bread for the cheesy topping, and double-check that the stock is gluten-free as well.
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Fiona O'Sullivan
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