parisian party

One wedding tradition that’s quite common all over France is La Soupe. As I’ve mentioned before, French weddings last literally all night long.  Some time around 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning, the newlyweds will finally get to leave the reception and drag themselves off to bed. At that point, a bunch of their close friends or family will bring in a big vat of soupe à l’oignon (French onion soup) which has been prepared beforehand. Making lots of noise and revelry, the group makes their way to the honeymoon suite, grabs the couple and either brings them back down to the reception to eat with the remaining guests, or passes around bowls of steamy soup right there in the room. At around 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning, with the soupe à l’oignon finished, the French wedding is officially over. The last guests head off to bed, leaving the newlyweds to their honeymoon.

You don’t have to serve French Onion Soup for breakfast in order to incorporate this tradition into your wedding or Paris themed celebration.  It’s just as delicious served as a starter in a fall or winter menu- just don’t forget to heap on the grated Gruyère and crusty croutons. Here is a simple recipe for Soupe à l’Oignon from EasyFrenchFood.com.

Soupe à la Oignon

• 2 pounds yellow onions, peeled and sliced into rings
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 quarts of beef stock
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup of white wine
• Salt and pepper
• loaf of French bread, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups of grated Gruyère cheese

Cook the onions in the olive oil on medium heat until the onions caramelize (about 30 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for one minute. Add the flour and cook for another minute. Now add the beef stock and wine and simmer for another 30 minutes.To serve, ladle the soup into individual oven-proof bowls, making sure that everyone gets plenty of onions. Place cubes of French Bread to cover and than sprinkle with cheese. Bake in 350° F oven for 10 minutes, broiling for the last few minutes to brown slightly.

serves 6
weddingsWedding StyleParis, Francedestination wedding