French Onion Soup

When it comes to iconic French cuisine, few dishes are as timeless and classic as the legendary French onion soup.

Origins in Ancient Civilizations

The origins of French onion soup can be traced back to ancient times. Onions have been cultivated for thousands of years, used as an ingredient in many cultures worldwide. Onion soup itself is a traditional dish that dates back over 8,000 years, to the time of ancient Rome. However, in that era, it was a simple dish seasoned with just salt and herbs.

From Royal Tables to Popular Delights

French onion soup first gained recognition in France around the 17th century. It is said that once, while King Louis XV was on a hunting trip and staying in a forest cabin, he felt very hungry late at night. In the cabin's pantry, there were only onions, butter, and champagne. He then instructed his chef to combine these three ingredients to create French onion soup for the very first time. The King greatly enjoyed this soup, and upon returning to the palace, he frequently ordered his chef to prepare it.

Later, in the 18th century, onion soup became more widely known among the general populace at Les Halles, the largest open-air market in Paris. This dish was particularly popular among merchants and those working at night. During the cold Parisian winters, they needed nourishing food to keep warm. Onion soup was the perfect solution, as onions were readily available and inexpensive. As onions became easy to procure, onion soup quickly became a staple food for the working class.

Over time, restaurants around Les Halles adapted the onion soup recipe. They began making it with rich beef broth mixed with minced onions, served with toasted bread topped with grated Comté cheese, transforming it into the more refined dish known as Gratinée des Halles.

As its popularity continued to grow, onion soup became favored by people from all social classes. It was often consumed as a hangover cure after parties or served as a first course to stimulate the appetite for subsequent dishes.

French Onion Soup Goes Global

In the 20th century, French onion soup gained international recognition, becoming a favorite among American soldiers stationed in France during World War I. When the war ended, American soldiers brought the recipe back to their homeland, and French onion soup soon became popular in American households. Restaurants across the country began offering their own versions of the soup.

Today, French onion soup is a globally renowned dish, serving as a symbol of France's culinary heritage and often regarded as a beloved comfort food a small pleasure at the dining table.