French Onion soup

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 5 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Baguette slices, toasted
• Gruyere or Swiss cheese, grated

Instructions:

Caramelize the Onions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized. This may take about 30-40 minutes.
3. Sprinkle sugar over the onions to help with the caramelization process.

Add Garlic and Wine:

1. Add minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
2. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes.

Simmer with Broth and Herbs:

1. Add beef broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
2. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Toast the Baguette:

1. While the soup simmers, preheat your oven broiler.
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until they are golden brown.Serve:

1. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
2. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
3. Place a few toasted baguette slices on top of the soup.
4. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese over the bread.

Broil Until Bubbly:

1. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, usually 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Enjoy:

1. Carefully remove the bowls from the oven.
2. Allow the French Onion Soup to cool for a few minutes before serving.
3. Enjoy your warm and cheesy French Onion Soup!

Note: Make sure your bowls are oven-safe before placing them under the broiler.

This French Onion Soup is a classic comfort dish with rich, caramelized onions and gooey melted cheese—a perfect indulgence for a cozy meal.