The term bistro is believed to have originated in Paris in the 19th century, with some legends attributing it to Russian soldiers shouting "bystro" (quick) at waiters during the 1815 occupation. Traditionally, bistros originating in France are known for serving moderately priced, simple, and hearty food in a cozy setting.
I love to prepare themed nights as a fun way to celebrate at home, as if we were in a small, casual restaurant. So here’s your challenge: channel your inner Chef George tonight! Don’t be afraid to try something new in the kitchen. Season boldly. Grill with confidence. Bake without apology. Visit your local farmers market and let the freshest ingredients guide your menu. Set the table as it matters — because it does. Whether you’re cooking for two or designing a feast for thirty, bring the same passion and joy to every dish.
And what would a French onion soup be without a toasted crouton, a sop? Sops are used for soaking up a warm liquid, broth, or wine, and were the term used in days of yore. I guess it was only natural that the word soup derived from sop.
In my Five Onion Soup, the mixture of five onions gives an excellent character to the soup. But, if you have less than five, no sweat; use a sweet onion, and you'll have a tasty version. The so-called bar of success in making an onion soup is all the slow cooking and gradual 'caramelizing' of the onions. The onions' natural sweetness adds the rich, robust flavor and golden brown color to the soup prize.
CREAMY FIVE-ONION SOUP
Makes 6-8 servings
chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle
This easy-to-prepare, hearty soup for a cool night makes for a wonderful dinner or rustic appetizer.
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 each sweet onions*, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
6 each Chipolini onions, chopped
1 each red onion, chopped
1 green onion, chopped
1 Tablespoon flour
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 cup white wine
1/2 cup potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups beef broth
Optional:
1/2 cup half and half
French bread croutons
Parmesan, Emmental, or Gruyere cheese
Preheat a large soup or saucepot to medium heat. Add olive oil, sweet onions, garlic, cipollini, red onion, and green onion. Cook for 10 minutes without stirring until the onions in the bottom of the pot begin to brown. Stir and allow the onions to continue to brown further. Stir and allow onions to cook for an additional five minutes. The total cooking time of onions will be about 20 minutes or more.
Season with thyme, bay leaves, and pepper. Add tomato sauce and flour, and stir. Add white wine and cook for 5 minutes or until dry. Add chicken broth, beef broth, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes.
Remove bay leaves, then puree one-half of the soup in a blender or food processor.
Return the pureed soup to the soup pot. Bring the soup back to a boil; reduce the temperature to a simmer. Add an optional half and half. Serve with a toasted French bread crouton, top with grated Parmesan, and melt Emmental or Gruyere cheese. SEE SOUP NOTES + MORE RECIPES BELOW
*Note onions: Soup may only be made with sweet onions and garlic. Or, you may use the addition of any onion family, such as leeks, chives, etc.
AS SEEN ON PUBLIC TELEVISION & CREATE TV- SEASON ONE
FEATURING CHEF GEORGE HIRSCH DEMONSTRATING HIS SAVORY COOKING, BAKING AND GRILLING RECIPES; WITH HIS EXPERT CULINARY TIPS & TECHNIQUES, ALONG WITH VISITS TO HIS INSPIRING HAMPTON LOCATIONS.
LIMITED OFFER, LIMITED EDITION, signed by Chef George.
From the original Grilling TV Series host, 200 Fabulous Recipe—Celebrating the joyous rituals of sharing food at year-round festivities, the star of PBS's Grilling with Chef George Hirsch provides a wealth of recipes and ideas for great party foods, plus advance preparation tips to ease the strain of last minute chores.
Hardcover: 310 pages
Publisher: Hearst Books-HarperCollins; 1St edition (June 12, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0688142257
ISBN-13: 978-0688142254
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
This easy to live with lifestyle plan; with more than 165 of George's easy-to-prepare gourmet recipes, you can lose weight, maintain energy, look better, and enjoy a longer active life, by eating great food!
M.Evans and Company, Inc.
George Starts your year off right!
George Hirsch Living it UP
Recipes for a Healthy Active Life
Product Details
Hardcover: 240 pages; $24.95
Publisher: M. Evans and Company, Inc.; 2000
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0871319241
ISBN-13: 978-0871319241
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
Creative Cooking tips
Fast Easy recipes that allow for an active lifestyle
A 30-Day Menu Plan you can adapt throughout the year
Support and motivation for staying on a healthy eating & exercise routine
Tips for easy food shopping & eating healthy on the run
Each book is personally autographed by George Hirsch.
