Creamy onion soup is the perfect comfort food for those cold winter days. At the Ocean Room at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Chef Steven Brooks has created a rich and creamy version of French onion soup that is sure to warm you up. The secret to this delicious soup lies in deeply caramelized onions and garlic, which bring out the natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
When making this soup at home, it’s important to choose the right type of onions. Chef Brooks recommends using Vidalia onions for their depth of flavor, Maui onions for their sweetness, or yellow onions for their balanced flavor and texture. Mixing multiple varieties of onions can result in uneven caramelization, so it’s best to stick to one type. Avoid using red onions or shallots, as they can impart bitterness or overpowering flavors to the soup.
While onions and garlic are key ingredients in this soup, the real secret weapon is diced potatoes. High-starch potatoes like Russet or Idaho add body to the soup as they break down during cooking. It’s important not to over-blend the soup, as this can thin out the consistency and affect the creamy texture. Season the soup judiciously with salt and let it rest before serving to allow the flavors to mature and blend together.
To make Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Creamy Onion Soup at home, start by caramelizing onions in butter until they are a deep golden brown. Add garlic, potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and a splash of white wine, then simmer until the potatoes are tender. Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in heavy cream and grated Gruyère cheese until the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot garnished with fresh thyme and parsley.
Making this soup a day ahead will allow the flavors to mature and blend together, resulting in a more complex and delicious dish. Pair it with a crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a comforting bowl of soup, Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Creamy Onion Soup is sure to impress.
