Wednesday, October 17, 2007

AN ITALIAN CURE


Well, I've tried everything else in my efforts to get rid of this 'flu so at lunch time I made this red onion soup, which has worked for me before. The use of butter instead of oil indicates the northern Italian provenance of this recipe:



Red onion soup

4 oz unsalted butter
1.5 lbs red onions, sliced thinly
2 cloves pink garlic, finely chopped [not an authentic addition, but I felt I needed it]
0.75 pint good vegetable stock
chopped fresh herbs - thyme, rosemary, sage
coarse seasalt and freshly ground black pepper
2 slices hard, Italian bread per person


Melt the butter in a heavy pan and add the onions and garlic. You want them to sort of melt into the butter but not brown, so put the lid on and let them cook over a low heat for c. 15 minutes, stirring once. When the onions are soft, add the stock, herbs and seasoning, put the lid back on and simmer for another 15 mins. Towards the end of this time, toast the bread and butter it and put 2 slices in the bottom of each soup bowl. Pour the soup over and serve. Sprinkle with parmesan or not, as you prefer. These quantities will serve 2 generously.


My head already feels clearer!







26 comments:

DeeJay said...

I'm not sure about the onions, I think it is probably the garlic that does the job. I think I am also in need of something similar having picked up a stinker of a cold on my U.S. trip last week - bloody unhealthy airplanes!

I hope you feel better soon

Liz Hinds said...

I think you recommended this before and I tried it then. I don't know if it helped but it tasted nice!

Hope you're better soon x

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, deejay. It probably is the garlic but I don't care if it does the trick! Sorry you've got the lurgy too. Hi, Liz. I just double-checked and I have not posted this recipe before. Thanks for your good wishes.

Whispering Walls said...

Sounds delicious. I still recommend 2 Beechams powders with honey, lemon and whisky (or limoncello) before bed. Guaranteed to make to wake up with a spring in your step.

sally in norfolk said...

Soup sounds delish and as i love onions this is one for me to try... good for Geoff aswell as hes a veggie...

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Thanks, WW. I can't take Beecham's because it contains aspirin and I'm asthmatic. I'll go for the honey and limoncello, though!

Ellee Seymour said...

I often cook onion soup for my family too, even if we are not ill. I shall save this recipe and try it out. Hope it tastes ok with Fenland onions.

CFD Ed said...

If the soup fails try:

Two good measures of scotch whisky
Juice of 1 lemon
A generous teaspoon of local honey
A pinch of cinnamon

Warm the mixture (microwave about 45 sec, or red hot poker)
Check it’s not too hot and then relax in armchair and sip it.

James Higham said...

Have you tried lemon and don't forget the cabbage - vitamin C is vital.

Crushed said...

Have you tried hot milk with whisky and honey?

It really does work.

jams o donnell said...

I'm not sure if it will help but it sounds very tasty!

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, Sally. Yes, do try it . You too, Ellee. Thanks, Phil A. I don't like whisky but shall find a substitute! Thanks, James. Lemon, yes but I can't stand cabbage! Ciao, Crushed. I'm allergic to milk, I'm afraid but thanks. Hello, jams - it always helps to receive a nice comment on my blog!

Chelsea + Shiloh said...

I've never made onion soup before (& I was married to an Italian...laugh) so i will give it a go...the receipe sounds do-able, and one that ive usualy got the ingredients on hand....ta

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, Gale. I like this recipe because it is unmessy!

Sharon said...

I think Phil has the best remedy. Even if it did not work (but I think it will), who would care???

jmb said...

But everyone knows that chicken soup cures everything!
Looks good WCLC. Still under the weather? Grrr.

marymaryquitecontrary said...

Have you ever tried Echinacea? It is better to take this flower remedy in the early stages or to prevent colds and flu. Try taking a course now welchcakes it will help.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, Sharon. You've got a point there! Hi, jmb. Still got the sniffles but head has stopped spinning. Thanks, MM. I will try that.

Ellee Seymour said...

I could do with some of this soup right now, I have cold sores in my mouth, am going to switch off soon and put my feet up.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Sorry you've got it as well, Ellee. Are you taking a vit B supplement? Have a good rest tonight.

Lee said...

I reckon you're just not having enough G&T's, Welsh. Get a few into you! ;)

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

That must be the trouble, Lee!

Liz Hinds said...

No, I didn't mean that you'd posted the recipe but that you recommended it to me and I'd made up my own!

Hope you are much improved by the time you read this.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, Liz. Oh, good - you had me worried there! Still got the sniffles but feel better, thanks.

Anonymous said...

I am really glad this helped, Pat, and VERY admiring of your energy in cooking for yourself while poorly. I fail in those stakes, miserably.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Ciao, Shirl. I do feel better if I cook!

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