French Onion Soup

Overview

1. Yields: 4 servings
2. Prep time: 30 minutes
3. Cook time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry sherry
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 loaf of French bread
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions

1. Caramelize onions: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and caramelized, about 30 minutes.
2. Add garlic: Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Make roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
4. Add broth and sherry: Stir in the beef broth, sherry, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the soup has thickened.
5. Prepare croutons: Cut the French bread into 4 thick slices. Broil or grill the slices until golden brown.
6. Assemble soup: Pour the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a crouton and a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese.
7. Broil cheese: Broil the soup under a broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• For a sweeter soup, add a tablespoon of sugar to the caramelized onions.
• You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the soup.
• Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread.