Walkabout Onion Soup: A Delicious & Authentic Recipe

Walkabout Onion Soup: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Australian Outback! Forget everything you thought you knew about onion soup because this isn’t your average French bistro fare. This hearty, flavorful soup is inspired by the iconic Outback Steakhouse appetizer, and trust me, it’s even better homemade.

While not steeped in centuries of tradition like its European counterpart, Walkabout Onion Soup has quickly become a modern classic, celebrated for its bold flavors and comforting warmth. It captures the spirit of adventure and the down-to-earth goodness of Australian cuisine. The original restaurant version gained immense popularity for its unique blend of sweet caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and a hint of sweetness, all topped with a generous layer of melted cheese.

What makes this Walkabout Onion Soup so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the satisfyingly rich broth, and the gooey, cheesy topping that creates a symphony of textures and tastes in every spoonful. It’s also surprisingly easy to make at home, allowing you to recreate that restaurant favorite whenever the craving strikes. So, ditch the reservations and let’s get cooking! I’m going to show you how to make the most delicious, comforting, and unforgettable Walkabout Onion Soup you’ve ever tasted.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 8 cups beef broth
• 2 cups dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
• 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Caramelizing the Onions: The Heart of the Soup

Okay, let’s get started! The most important part of this Walkabout Onion Soup is the caramelized onions. This process takes time and patience, but trust me, it’s worth it. The deep, sweet flavor of the caramelized onions is what makes this soup so incredibly delicious.

1. Prepare the Onions: First, peel your 6 large yellow onions. Now, this is important: slice them thinly and evenly. Uneven slices will cook at different rates, and we want them all to caramelize beautifully. I like to use a mandoline for this, but a sharp knife works just fine. Just take your time and aim for consistent thickness.
2. Start the Caramelization: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter along with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. The combination of butter and oil prevents the butter from burning and adds a richer flavor.
3. Add the Onions: Add all the sliced onions to the pot. Don’t overcrowd the pot; if you do, the onions will steam instead of caramelize. If necessary, caramelize them in batches.
4. The Secret Ingredients: Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda over the onions. The sugar helps with the caramelization process, and the baking soda helps to break down the onions, making them softer and sweeter.
5. Stir and Cook: Stir the onions well to coat them with the butter, oil, sugar, and baking soda. Reduce the heat to low. This is where the patience comes in. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown color and very soft. The key is to stir them every 5-10 minutes to prevent them from sticking and burning. If they start to stick, add a tablespoon or two of water to the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. These browned bits are packed with flavor!
6. Achieving the Perfect Color: The onions will go through several stages. First, they’ll become translucent, then light yellow, then golden brown. You want to aim for a deep, rich brown color. Don’t rush the process; low and slow is the key to perfect caramelized onions.

Building the Soup Base: Flavor Explosion!

Now that the onions are beautifully caramelized, it’s time to build the soup base. This is where we layer in the other flavors that will make this soup truly unforgettable.

1. Add the Flour: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the caramelized onions. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2-3 minutes. This will create a roux, which will help to thicken the soup slightly. Make sure the flour is fully incorporated and cooked through to avoid a raw flour taste.
2. Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour in the 2 cups of dry red wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits are called fond, and they are packed with flavor. Let the wine simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has reduced by about half. This will concentrate the flavor of the wine and add depth to the soup.
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the 8 cups of beef broth. Add the 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried bay leaf. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember to start with less salt and add more as needed.
4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
5. Remove the Bay Leaf: Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the soup.

Preparing the Croutons and Cheese: The Perfect Topping

No Walkabout Onion Soup is complete without crusty croutons and melted cheese. This is the final touch that elevates the soup to a truly decadent experience.

1. Prepare the Croutons: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette into 1-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet.
2. Toast the Croutons: Bake the baguette slices for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from burning.
3. Grate the Cheese: While the croutons are toasting, shred the 4 ounces of Gruyere cheese and grate the 2 ounces of Parmesan cheese. Gruyere is the classic choice for French onion soup, but you can also use other cheeses like Swiss or provolone.

Assembling and Broiling: The Grand Finale

Now for the best part: assembling the soup and broiling it to bubbly, cheesy perfection!

1. Ladle the Soup: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or ramekins. Make sure to leave enough room at the top for the croutons and cheese.
2. Top with Croutons: Place 1-2 toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl of soup.
3. Add the Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the croutons. Make sure the cheese covers the croutons completely.
4. Broil the Soup: Place the bowls of soup on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Watch them carefully to prevent the cheese from burning.
5. Serve Immediately: Remove the bowls of soup from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Be careful, as the bowls will be very hot!
6. Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Tips for Success:

• Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the onions from burning.
• Don’t Rush the Caramelization: The key to perfect caramelized onions is to cook them low and slow. Don’t try to rush the process by turning up the heat.
• Use Good Quality Broth: The quality of the beef broth will affect the flavor of the soup. Use a good quality broth or homemade broth for the best results.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Get Creative with Cheese: While Gruyere is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth to make a vegetarian version of this soup.
• Add Sherry: Add a splash of dry sherry to the soup along with the red wine for a richer flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a little bit of heat.

Conclusion:

This Walkabout Onion Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen. The rich, deeply caramelized onions, the savory broth infused with aromatic herbs, and the satisfying cheesy crouton topping all combine to create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who appreciates a hearty, comforting, and incredibly flavorful soup. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a chilly evening or any time you’re craving something truly special.

But what truly sets this Walkabout Onion Soup apart is its versatility. While it’s absolutely divine as is, there are so many ways you can customize it to your liking. For a richer, creamier soup, try adding a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche just before serving. If you’re a fan of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will add a delightful kick. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese for the croutons! Gruyere is a classic choice, but provolone, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar would be equally delicious.

Serving suggestions are endless! This soup makes a fantastic appetizer for a dinner party, or it can be a satisfying meal on its own, especially when paired with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. For a more substantial meal, consider adding some shredded chicken or beef to the soup. You could even top it with a fried egg for a truly decadent brunch option. And if you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, simply use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a labor of love, yes, but the end result is so worth the effort. The deep, complex flavors of the caramelized onions are truly unforgettable, and the cheesy croutons add the perfect touch of texture and richness.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey with this incredible Walkabout Onion Soup. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications to the recipe? What kind of cheese did you use for the croutons? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and stories with me in the comments below. I’m always eager to see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to improve and create even more delicious recipes for you to enjoy. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I hope you find this Walkabout Onion Soup as comforting and delicious as I do.