You may be thinking . . . why would a yoga retreat in Costa Rica be serving French onion soup? Well, for one Blue Osa’s original chef, Chef Marie was French! Chef Marie helped build the framework for the types of farm-to-table meals we serve to our guests, and of course, she needed to share her roots with this warming and home-style French onion soup, and we couldn’t be more grateful for this delicious contribution.
We’re all about nourishing the soul at Blue Osa and there’s just something about French onion soup that screams comfort food. It’s also a simple and delicious meal that everyone loves.
You’ve probably had French onion soup before, but have you wondered about the history of this tavernesque staple? We found its history so interesting that we just had to share!
French Onion Fun Facts
So where did French onion soup actually come from? One popular theory is that King Louis XV himself was the originator! It is said that late one night he was very hungry at his hunting lodge. He could only find onions, butter, and champagne in the pantry, so he decided to use the three ingredients to make French onion soup for the very first time.
Although King Louis XV may call treason, there is evidence that onion soup has been a staple in Europe for quite some time . . .
- The roots of this classic dish actually originated in the broths of ancient Rome.
- It was popular with the poor because onions were (and still are) cheap and easy to grow.
- It was first prepared over 8,000 years ago in homes but it wasn’t until the 18th century that it was served in restaurants across Paris.
- Although it is called “French” onion, variations of onion soups have existed throughout Europe since the ancient Roman and Greek eras.
French onion soup was also used to mask the smell of alcohol from drinking the night before, thanks to the strong aromas of Comté or Gruyère cheeses, and as a hangover cure! It seems late-night-King-Louis really was on to something.
So we hope you get in the spirit by turning on some medieval music and trying out this simple and delicious French onion soup!
Recipe
Blue Osa’s French Onion Soup
From the Kitchen of Blue Osa
Gluten free and vegetarian (vegan optional)
Makes 10 servings
Ingredients:
- 8 cups white onions cut into paper-thin strips
- 1 Tbs Garlic
- 1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 Teaspoon butter or olive oil
- 2 litters beef stock ( can use vegetarian stock or water)
- 1 1/2 cup wine or soy sauce
- 1 Tbs flour ( can use cornstarch for gluten-free)
Preparation:
1. In a large stock pot, add oil and butter and cook on medium heat
2. Add onion and garlic and sauté stirring constantly until translucent
3. Add the flour and keep moving until a white rue
4. Pour the stock and white wine
5. Salt and pepper taste
6. Boil for 5 minutes, then let simmer uncovered for 45 minutes on low heat
*Serve with croutons and gruyere cheese
Watch Marie make French Onion soup!
At Blue Osa, what and how we eat is an essential part of our way of living.
We believe food should be FUN.
We believe food should be a CELEBRATION.
We believe food should be the FUEL that helps us live our most meaningful life!
We are always refining our recipes, incorporating the freshest and most local ingredients we can get our hands on, and of course, joyfully sharing our creations with our guests at every meal.
We put together our favorite recipes for YOU in our new book Eat To Feel Happy And Healthy – Rainforest Recipes That Bring You Joy! so you can experience a little taste of Blue Osa from your kitchen!
Buen Provecho from Blue Osa Yoga Retreat + Spa
