Pale Ale and French Onion Soup

**brehuh** · 04-19-2011, 09:56 PM

I am making French onion soup and using Alton Brown's recipe:

5 sweet onions (like Vidalias) or a combination of sweet and red onions (about 4 pounds)
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups white wine
10 ounces canned beef consume
10 ounces chicken broth
10 ounces apple cider (unfiltered is best)
Bouquet garni; thyme sprigs, bay leaf and parsley tied together with kitchen string
1 loaf country style bread
Kosher salt
Ground black pepper
Splash of Cognac (optional)
1 cup Fontina or Gruyere cheese, grated

I made it once before with Gewurztraminer and it was way too sweet. This time I was thinking of using some mead and some Saranac Pale Ale in place of the wine.

What do you think?

BendBrewer · 04-19-2011, 10:00 PM

I used to make the French Onion Soup at Deschutes Brewery.....every freaking day.........

I don't see any garlic in yours and I used Red Wine.

I wouldn't put beer in a soup unless I did so right before I served it and never over a flame. Unless you want to add bitterness that is.

dougdecinces · 04-20-2011, 12:16 AM

I used beer in a French Onion soup once. I believe it was Fat Tire. I liked it plenty.

**MyNameIsPaul** · 04-20-2011, 12:24 AM

Homebrew and French Onion Soup?! Holy Moses you're place is going to reek of a$$. Hope SWMBO has some too so she can fight back!

SoxFan44 · 04-20-2011, 12:22 PM

I usually love ABs recipes, but I absolutely hated this one. If I remember correctly, it was way too sweet. I would look at reducing or eliminating the apple cider, and certainly add some garlic.