The recipe for French onion soup

Ingredients:

1. 4 large, thinly sliced onions, either sweet or yellow
2. Three tablespoons of butter without salt
3. One tablespoon of olive oil
4. One teaspoon of salt
5. One teaspoon of optional sugar to aid with caramelization
6. Four cups of beef broth (or, for a lighter option, veggie broth)
7. One cup of sherry or dry white wine
8. Two to three fresh thyme sprigs (or one teaspoon of dried thyme)
9. One bay leaf
10. To taste, freshly ground black pepper
11. Sliced baguette
12. Two cups of grated Gruyere cheese, or a combination of mozzarella and Gruyere

Directions:

Make the onions caramelized:

• Melt the olive oil and butter in a big pot over medium heat. Stir to coat after adding the cut onions.
• If used, sprinkle with sugar and salt. The onions should be deep golden brown and caramelized after 30 to 40 minutes of cooking, stirring often.

Pour in the wine and broth:

• To deglaze, scrape the bottom of the saucepan and pour in the white wine. Cook until the wine slightly diminishes, about 5 minutes.
• Add the bay leaf, pepper, thyme, and beef broth. To deepen the flavors, bring to a simmer and cook for a further 20 to 30 minutes. If necessary, change the seasoning.

Get the bread ready:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) while the soup is simmering. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5 to 7 minutes, or until brown.

Put the Soup Together:

• Take out the bay leaf and thyme sprigs from the soup. Fill ovenproof dishes with the soup. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted bread and heap on a heaping helping of Gruyere cheese.

Heat up:

• After placing the bowls on a baking sheet, place them under the broiler for two to four minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Watch them so they don’t get burned!

Serve:

• The bowls will be hot, so carefully take them out of the oven. Before serving, allow them to cool slightly. If desired, garnish with more thyme.

Have fun!

This hearty French onion soup can be served as a main course or as an appetizer. Savor the warmth and depth of taste!