Introduction
Julia Child, a culinary legend, had a deep appreciation for French cuisine, and Julia Child’s favorite soup was none other than the timeless French Onion Soup. This article explores the history, recipe, and enduring charm of Julia Child’s favorite soup, offering insight into her love for this classic dish.
This article delves into Julia Child’s admiration for this classic dish, exploring its history, her unique take on the recipe, and its enduring appeal. We’ll also touch on some of her other favorite soups and answer common questions about her culinary journey. Let’s step into the world of Julia Child and uncover the charm of her favorite soup!
A Brief Biography of Julia Child
Julia Child was a trailblazer in the culinary world, known for introducing French cooking to American households. Born on August 15, 1912, in Pasadena, California, Julia McWilliams (her maiden name) led a fascinating life before becoming a culinary legend. She graduated from Smith College with a degree in history, worked in various capacities during World War II, and eventually met her husband, Paul Child, who would play a pivotal role in her career.
For a guide on making soups with simple ingredients, check out “The Ultimate Guide to Making 4-Ingredient Potato Soup”.
Paul’s work as a diplomat brought the couple to Paris in 1948, where Julia discovered her love for French cuisine. Her enrollment at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school marked the beginning of her culinary journey, leading to her eventual fame as a chef, author, and television personality.
Julia Child’s legacy is vast, but her love for simple yet elegant dishes shines through in her cooking. Among these, Julia Child’s favorite soup holds a special place. Her passion for sharing recipes like French Onion Soup made her a household name.
Julia Child’s Culinary Influence
Julia Child revolutionized American cooking with her approachable take on French cuisine. Her groundbreaking book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking (co-authored with Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle), demystified French recipes for American audiences. Her television show, The French Chef, which debuted in 1963, made her a household name. Julia’s charm, wit, and genuine love for food resonated with viewers, inspiring generations to experiment in the kitchen.
Julia’s philosophy centered on the joy of cooking and eating. She encouraged home cooks to embrace mistakes, emphasizing that cooking was as much about learning as it was about creating delicious meals. Her impact on the culinary world remains profound, and her favorite dishes, like French Onion Soup, reflect her deep appreciation for the art of cooking.
If you enjoy comfort foods, you might also like learning about “Hash Brown Potato Soup”.
Julia Child’s Love for French Cuisine
How Julia Child Fell in Love with French Cooking
Julia’s passion for French food blossomed during her time in Paris. Upon her arrival, she tasted her first meal in France—sole meunière—and was utterly captivated by its simplicity and elegance. This experience sparked a lifelong love affair with French gastronomy. She immersed herself in the culinary culture of France, exploring markets, restaurants, and recipes with boundless enthusiasm.
For a similar story about the simplicity of ingredients, check out “Why French Onion Soup Tastes So Good”.
Her Partnership with French Chefs
Julia’s time at Le Cordon Bleu connected her with influential chefs and food experts. She later joined forces with Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle to create a cooking school, L’École des Trois Gourmandes. This collaboration also led to the publication of her iconic cookbook. Julia’s relationships with French chefs and her dedication to mastering traditional techniques played a significant role in shaping her culinary identity.
Soupe à l’Oignon: A Classic French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup, or Soupe à l’Oignon, is a timeless dish that embodies the essence of French comfort food. Known for its rich flavors and rustic charm, it combines caramelized onions, a hearty broth, and a layer of melted cheese over crispy bread. This dish was a favorite of Julia Child, who frequently highlighted it in her cooking shows and books.
The History of French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup traces its origins back to the Roman era, but its modern iteration is credited to 18th-century French cuisine. Traditionally considered a “peasant dish” due to its use of simple ingredients like onions and stale bread, it gained popularity for its affordability and satisfying flavors. Over time, the recipe evolved into a gourmet staple, particularly in French bistros.
Julia Child’s connection to this dish stemmed from her love for French tradition and the beauty of transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary.
Julia Child’s Unique Touch on the Recipe
Julia’s rendition of French Onion Soup stays true to the traditional preparation while adding her signature flair. Her recipe focuses on slow-cooked caramelized onions to achieve a deep, sweet flavor, paired with a beef or chicken stock for richness. She believed in the importance of high-quality ingredients and precise techniques, ensuring the soup’s texture and taste were perfect.
Her version also emphasized the importance of the gratinée—the topping of bread and cheese broiled to golden perfection. Gruyère cheese, a nod to French culinary tradition, was her preferred choice, adding a nutty, creamy finish to the dish.
If you’re interested in more culinary inspirations, see “Panera French Onion Soup: A Comforting Classic”.
Why French Onion Soup Was Special to Julia
Julia Child’s admiration for French Onion Soup reflected her overall philosophy about food: simplicity done well. This dish embodies the heart of French cooking—using ordinary ingredients to create extraordinary results. For Julia, making and sharing Soupe à l’Oignon was a way to celebrate the joy of cooking and the comfort of a well-made meal.
French Onion Soup also held sentimental value for Julia. It was often served at casual gatherings with friends and family, reminding her of the warmth and conviviality that food can bring to life. Its enduring popularity among her recipes speaks to its universal appeal and timeless charm.
Ingredients Used in Julia Child’s Recipe
Julia Child’s French Onion Soup recipe is a delightful blend of simple, high-quality ingredients. For a breakdown of soup fundamentals, visit “What Are the 4 Components of Soup?”.
- 6 cups of thinly sliced yellow onions (about 1.5 pounds)
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of sugar (to help caramelize the onions)
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 quarts of beef stock (or chicken stock, for a lighter flavor)
- 1/2 cup of dry white wine or dry vermouth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 slices of French baguette (about 1-inch thick, toasted)
- 2 cups of grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese, as a substitute)
These ingredients reflect Julia’s love for fresh, flavorful components that come together to create a comforting, balanced dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare and Caramelize the Onions
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, spreading them evenly in the pot. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle the onions with salt and sugar, then reduce the heat to low.
- Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for 30-40 minutes until the onions turn a deep golden brown. Caramelization is key to the soup’s flavor.
Add Flour and Broth
- Once the onions are caramelized, sprinkle them with the flour. Stir well to coat the onions evenly.
- Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the beef stock, stirring constantly to ensure there are no lumps.
- Pour in the white wine and bring the soup to a simmer.
- Cover the pot partially and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Prepare the Gratinée Topping
- Preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Arrange the toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet. Top each slice with a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese.
- Place the toasts under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Assemble and Serve
- Ladle the hot soup into individual oven-safe bowls.
- Place a cheese-covered toast on top of each bowl. For extra indulgence, sprinkle additional Gruyère on the soup.
- Broil the bowls briefly until the cheese topping turns golden and bubbly.
- Serve immediately, savoring the rich, hearty flavors.
Julia’s recipe is as much about the process as the result. She encouraged cooks to enjoy the art of slow cooking and to savor the transformation of simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
Vichyssoise: A Creamy Delight
While French Onion Soup held a special place in Julia Child’s repertoire, she had a deep appreciation for other classic soups, including Vichyssoise. This cold, creamy soup made from potatoes, leeks, and cream is a quintessential example of French elegance.
The Origin of Vichyssoise
Vichyssoise is often credited to French chef Louis Diat, who popularized it in the United States during his tenure at the Ritz-Carlton in New York. Inspired by a leek and potato soup from his childhood in France, Diat added cream and served it chilled, creating a dish that has since become iconic.
Julia Child’s Take on Vichyssoise
Julia adored this soup for its simplicity and versatility. She featured it in Mastering the Art of French Cooking, offering home cooks a reliable recipe that balanced the earthy flavors of leeks and potatoes with the luxurious creaminess of heavy cream. Her version highlighted her knack for making gourmet dishes approachable, requiring just a few basic ingredients and straightforward techniques.
Potage Parmentier: A Potato and Leek Classic
For a warm alternative to Vichyssoise, Julia often recommended Potage Parmentier, a hearty potato and leek soup served hot. Named after Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, a French agronomist who championed the use of potatoes in French cuisine, this soup is a comforting, rustic dish that exemplifies Julia’s love for uncomplicated, flavorful food.
Ingredients and Preparation
Potage Parmentier shares many of the same ingredients as Vichyssoise—potatoes, leeks, water or stock, and cream—but is typically served hot and without the additional step of chilling. Julia believed that its simplicity made it an excellent choice for home cooks and often referred to it as “good plain French cooking.”
Why Julia Loved Potage Parmentier
This soup represented everything Julia admired about French cuisine: an ability to elevate humble ingredients into something memorable. Its creamy texture, mild flavor, and comforting warmth made it a favorite for casual family meals or as a starter for elegant dinners.
Julia’s Appreciation for Seasonal Soups
In addition to these classics, Julia Child championed seasonal cooking, often encouraging the use of fresh, local ingredients in soups. Whether it was a chilled gazpacho in summer, a robust vegetable soup in fall, or a creamy cauliflower bisque in winter, Julia believed that soups could be as varied and creative as the seasons themselves.
Her cookbooks and television shows often featured soup recipes tailored to different times of the year, emphasizing her philosophy of making the most of what was available and in season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was French Onion Soup Julia Child’s Only Favorite Dish?
While French Onion Soup was one of Julia Child’s most beloved recipes, it was by no means her only favorite. Julia had a deep appreciation for a wide range of French dishes, from hearty stews like Boeuf Bourguignon to delicate desserts like Crème Caramel. Her love for food was all-encompassing, and she frequently celebrated the diversity and richness of French cuisine in her books and shows.
Did Julia Child Invent Any Recipes?
Julia Child was not known for inventing recipes outright but for adapting and perfecting traditional French dishes for an American audience. Her approach involved meticulous testing to ensure that the recipes were accessible and foolproof for home cooks. Her genius lay in her ability to demystify complex culinary techniques and inspire confidence in her readers and viewers.
What Made Julia Child a Culinary Icon?
Julia’s success stemmed from her infectious enthusiasm, extensive knowledge, and approachable teaching style. She broke down the barriers of intimidating French cooking, making it fun and achievable. Her television program The French Chef was revolutionary, blending education with entertainment. Julia’s warmth, humor, and relatability endeared her to millions, solidifying her legacy as a culinary icon.
Can Beginners Follow Julia’s Recipes?
Absolutely! Julia Child was committed to empowering home cooks of all skill levels. Her recipes, while detailed, are carefully explained to guide even beginners through the cooking process. She often emphasized patience, practice, and the importance of not being afraid to make mistakes, making her work ideal for those new to cooking.
What Were Julia’s Favorite Ingredients?
Julia Child had a particular fondness for butter, cream, wine, and fresh herbs—ingredients that are staples in French cooking. She believed in using high-quality components to elevate the flavor of dishes and often advocated for cooking with real, natural ingredients rather than processed substitutes.
Where Can I Learn More About Julia Child’s Recipes?
For those interested in exploring Julia Child’s culinary legacy, her cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking is an essential starting point. Additionally, her television series, including The French Chef, remains a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. Various online resources, museums, and cooking schools dedicated to her work also offer opportunities to delve deeper into her life and recipes.
Conclusion: Celebrating Julia Child’s Culinary Legacy
Julia Child’s love for cooking transformed the way Americans approached food, and her favorite dishes, like French Onion Soup, remain timeless examples of her impact. Her ability to bring French cuisine into American homes with joy and authenticity has left a lasting legacy in the culinary world.For those who want to take a step further, check out other classics like “Marry Me Chicken Soup” for more hearty inspiration.
Whether you’re a fan of French cuisine or simply exploring the culinary classics, recreating Julia Child’s favorite soup is a delightful journey. Her love for French Onion Soup embodies the joy of cooking and the pleasure of sharing food with loved ones.