Discovering Basic French Recipes for Beginners: Béchamel and Onion Soup

Welcome to the charming world of French cuisine, where simplicity meets sophistication. If you're a beginner cook curious to explore the tastes and techniques of French cooking, this article is perfect for you. We'll delve into the simple yet essential recipes of Béchamel sauce and French Onion Soup, beginner-friendly fundamentals that every aspiring French cook should master.

Béchamel Sauce: The Foundation of Many Delights

Béchamel sauce is a creamy, velvety foundation used in numerous delicious dishes, from macaroni and cheese to chicken pot pie. Here's how you can create this versatile sauce:

Heat Olive Oil: Start by placing a dessertspoon of olive oil in a saucepan. Heat it gently for about a minute to two minutes.

Mix Flour and Olive Oil: Add a dessertspoon of flour to the oil and use a wooden spatula to stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.

Simmer Gently: Continue stirring over very low heat for about two minutes. It's crucial to keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from splitting.

Stir in Milk: Take the pan off the heat and gradually pour in a little milk, stirring constantly as the mixture thickens. Adjust the amount of milk based on your experience.

Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, stir in grated Emmenthal or any cheese of your choice, along with salt, pepper, and a little nutmeg to taste.

This creamy base can be used to coat cooked vegetables and topped with more cheese before grilling until it starts to brown. Béchamel sauce's versatility is truly remarkable, offering a creamy texture that can transform simple dishes into gourmet delights.

French Onion Soup: A Classic Favourite

French Onion Soup has a rich history and symbolism in French cuisine, often associated with comfort and conviviality. Here's a straightforward recipe for this beloved dish:

Caramelize Onions: Begin by chopping and caramelizing about a pound or two of onions. Cook them slowly over low heat for about 35-45 minutes, or until the volume has reduced to about one-fifth of its original size. The onions should be a medium to dark brown in color.

Add Beef Stock: To the caramelized onions, add a liter or more of beef stock. If you don't have homemade stock, a good store-bought beef broth will work. Additionally, ask your butcher for a piece of beef tendon and simmer it in the stock until it dissolves. This adds depth and richness to the soup.

Toast Bread: While the soup simmers, toast some decent dark bread like rye or whole wheat slices to a crisp.

Prepare Bowls and Garnish: Set up a few bowls (likely one or two for a beginner) and place a piece of toasted bread on top of each. Shave a generous amount of Gruyère cheese or an old cheddar over the bread.

Broil the Soup: Place the bowls under a broiler on a cookie sheet with edges to catch any spills. Grill until the cheese bubbles and browns.

Add Sherry or Whisky (Optional): For an extra touch of flavor, add a small shot of sherry or whisky to each bowl before serving. This step is optional but can elevate your soup experience.

Using tempered glass or glazed ceramic bowls is essential to avoid breakage from the intense heat of the broiler. The resulting French Onion Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed hot and meltingly delicious.

Additional Tips for French Cooking

If you're interested in further exploring French cuisine, you might consider investing in a cookbook like 'French Comfort Food' by Hillary Davis. This book is well-suited for North American cooks and simplifies French recipes to make them more accessible and practical in the home kitchen.

Keep in mind that the taste of chickens can vary depending on whether you use a supermarket or a local butcher. French chickens often yield a richer flavor, which adds a unique twist to your cooking adventures.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey of French cooking as a beginner can be both exciting and daunting. However, with the right recipes and a bit of practice, you can create delicious dishes like Béchamel sauce and French Onion Soup. These basic yet fundamental recipes will not only enhance your cooking skills but also give you a taste of French culinary artistry. Happy cooking!