French Onion Soup

Ingredients

• 45 g unsalted butter.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• 1 kg brown onions, thinly sliced.
• 2 l homemade beef stock.
• 2 teaspoons plain (all-purpose) flour.
• 125 ml (1/2 cup) dry white wine.
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• 1-2 tablespoon brandy.
• 10 thick sliced sourdough baguette, toasted.
• 100 g (1 cup) finely grated gruyère cheese.
• fresh thyme sprigs, to garnish.

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a large, heavy-based saucepan, add the oil and onion and sauté gently for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until softened and deeply golden.

2. Meanwhile, heat the stock in another saucepan until it is very hot. Add the flour to the onion and stir over moderate heat for 3–5 minutes, to cook the flour. Add the hot stock and wine, season to taste and simmer for 20 minutes, then remove from the heat and stir in the brandy.

3. Turn the grill (broiler) to medium–high. Spoon the soup into 4 large or 6 small individual ovenproof bowls and place them on a baking tray. Divide the toasts between the bowls, overlapping a couple of slices to fit. Push the toasts down a little so they soak up the soup. Scatter over the cheese and place the tray under the grill until the cheese melts and turns golden.

Alternatively, if the bowls will not fit under the grill, divide the cheese between the bread slices, grill until melted and golden, then slip a slice or two into each bowl of hot soup.

* Garnish each bowl with a thyme sprig and serve.

Note