How to Make Carabaccia (Tuscan Onion Soup) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Carabaccia, also known as Tuscan onion soup, is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to the Renaissance. This humble but flavorful soup has its roots in the Tuscan region of Italy, where it is a beloved comfort food for many. The name "carabaccia" likely comes from the Arabic word for onion, "basal," and it has been a staple in Tuscan cuisine for centuries.

Carabaccia is a simple yet delicious soup made with just a handful of ingredients, including onions, broth, and bread. The ...

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Ingredients

  • 4 pounds red onions
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 3 leaves sage
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup finely ground almonds (Optional)
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, or to taste
  • 5 cups beef broth, or more as needed
  • 3 thick slices Italian bread, halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, or to taste, divided
  • 3 leaves sage, or to taste, sliced into thin strips
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste, divided

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 45 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins
  • Servings: 6

  • Make the soup: Peel onions and cut in half. Cut along the grain lengthwise into thin slices.
  • Heat oil in a very large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and kosher salt. Cook and stir until starting to turn translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft and sweet, about 1 hour.
  • Add sage leaves, pepper, cinnamon, and almonds to the onions. Cook and stir until fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to a soup pot. Pour in vinegar and broth and bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until flavors blend, about 30 minutes.
  • When the soup is almost finished, make the toast: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a small baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Place Italian bread onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle some olive oil over the bread; sprinkle sliced sage and some Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Toast in the preheated oven until browned, about 15 minutes.
  • Ladle soup into serving bowls and top each with a piece of toast. Drizzle remaining olive oil over the toast and sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Dunk toast into the soup and let soak for a few minutes before serving.
  • Nutrition

    308 cal.

    • Total Fat: 15g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 2mg
    • Sodium: 1750mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 38g
    • Dietary Fiber: 7g
    • Total Sugars: 13g
    • Protein: 9g
    • Vitamin C: 23mg
    • Calcium: 144mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 634mg