How to Make French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast

This French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the best of hearty soup and rich, savory flavors together. Perfect for a cozy evening, this soup is a twist on the classic French onion soup, with tender short ribs that elevate it into a meal of its own. Topped with a crispy, golden Gruyère toast, every spoonful is an indulgence without the guilt. It’s the ultimate comfort food made lighter, ideal for those looking to savor a rich and satisfying dish without compromising their goals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty & Filling: The short ribs provide a satisfying protein-packed base, making this soup a filling option for lunch or dinner.
Rich Flavor Profile: The deep, savory flavor from caramelized onions and short ribs is balanced with the creamy Gruyère toast.
Low in SmartPoints: A lighter take on the classic French onion soup without sacrificing taste.
Comforting & Nourishing: This soup is perfect for chilly evenings, giving you all the cozy feels of a hearty meal.
Simple Yet Elegant: Great for a special occasion, or when you just want something truly satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 lbs bone-in short ribs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gruyère Toast:

• 4 slices whole-grain or sourdough bread
• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Short Ribs

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, and brown them in the pot for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden. Remove the ribs from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the onions and cook them for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and soft. Add a pinch of salt to help the onions release their moisture.
4. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Deglaze & Simmer

1. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
2. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
3. Return the browned short ribs to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 2 hours, or until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.

Prepare the Gruyère Toast

1. While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Remove the toasted bread and sprinkle the Gruyère cheese evenly over each slice.
4. Return the bread to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Optionally, sprinkle the fresh parsley over the cheese toast for extra flavor and color.

Assemble & Serve

1. Once the short ribs are done, remove them from the soup and shred the meat. Discard the bones and return the shredded meat to the pot.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
3. Serve the soup in bowls, topping each with a slice of the Gruyère toast.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

Calories: 340 | Protein: 30g | Carbs: 20g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 4g
SmartPoints: 7 per serving (based on specific substitutions)

Tips for Success

Slow Cooking: If you have time, cook the soup low and slow for an even more tender and flavorful short rib.
Caramelize the Onions Well: This step adds depth and sweetness to the soup, so don’t rush the process.
Use Lean Short Ribs: For a leaner option, trim excess fat from the short ribs before cooking.
Top with Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or thyme just before serving enhances the flavor and adds color.

Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced Flavor: The caramelized onions and savory short ribs give the soup a deep, umami-rich flavor, while the Gruyère toast adds a crispy, cheesy element that elevates the dish.
• Protein-Packed & Filling: The short ribs provide a satisfying source of protein, making the soup hearty enough for a meal.
• Customizable: Swap in other cheese for the Gruyère, or use a low-sodium broth to reduce the overall sodium content.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or as leftovers.

This French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast combines the best of rich, savory soup with indulgent, cheesy toast to create a meal that is both hearty and sophisticated. Whether you’re serving it on a special occasion or enjoying it on a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress with its comforting flavors and filling ingredients. You can savor every bite while knowing you’ve made a delicious and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into your lifestyle.