Ben Bayly’s French Onion Soup
From the kitchen of Origine, Ben Bayly’s French onion soup recipe is a rich, flavourful broth that celebrates Franklin’s world-famous longkeeper onion.

Serves 4

Prep time 20 mins

Cook time 1 hour

500 g oxtail

1 onion, sliced

1 carrot, grated

1/3 cup of celery, chopped

50 g duck fat

1 kg onion, sliced

20 g fresh thyme

8 garlic cloves, minced

1 ltr beef stock

The day before serving, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the oxtail and sear each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until the oxtail is browned and caramelised. Set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté the onions, carrot, and celery for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly golden.

In a food-safe vacuum pack bag, place the seared oxtail and sautéed vegetables together. Seal the bag tightly to ensure no air remains inside. Cook the sealed bag overnight at 82°C.

The next day, into a medium bowl, carefully strain the liquids for the vacuum pack bag and set aside. Allow the oxtail to cool slightly before shredding the tender meat. Set aside.

In a large pot, melt the duck fat over high heat until it shimmers. Add in the chopped onions and sauté them, stirring frequently, until they start to caramelise. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook until the onions are golden and tender. Stir in fresh thyme and minced garlic, allowing them to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Pour the strained oxtail broth into the duck fat mixture, stirring until combined. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

josh
Author: josh

more Franklin stories...

Steel ‘n’ Wheels

Steel ‘n’ Wheels

Born in 2011 through the Waiuku Business & Development Association and local car clubs, Steel ’n’ Wheels quickly became a flagship celebration of Waiuku’s character. Rooted in the town’s connection to New Zealand Steel – an industry central to Waiuku’s growth and...

read more
Wairoa River

Wairoa River

The Wairoa River snakes its way across the wild, volcanic landscape of the Hunua Ranges.

read more
Franklin’s Top Spots

Franklin’s Top Spots

1. Maraetai Beach My favourite beach in Franklin (not too far ahead of Karioitahi) where you can do everything from swim and relax to launching the boat. 2. Manukau Heads Lighthouse Located at the tip of the ancient Āwhitu Peninsula, the lighthouse gives amazing views...

read more
Artist in the Orchard

Artist in the Orchard

In the heart of Franklin, artist Katie Blundell is cultivating a flourishing artistic practice. Her painted relief works—carved and coloured by hand with meticulous care—explore the collective human experience, the natural environment, and her deep-rooted connections...

read more
Happy Trails

Happy Trails

The Franklin region is well-endowed with tracks and trails for walkers and bikers and there are options for people of all fitness levels, abilities and interests. Andrew Sinclair of Franklin Active Trails shares some of his tips. While our National Parks draw the...

read more
Kitchen Consequential

Kitchen Consequential

Connie ClarksonFounder of The Kitchen Project The Kitchen Project is cooking up something special in Franklin. The initiative is helping local foodie entrepreneurs turn their passion into their profession. With a training base in Pukekohe, the project provides a tasty...

read more