French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a classic and comforting dish that combines caramelized onions with a rich beef broth and melted cheese. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare it:

Ingredients:

For the soup:

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping:

• Baguette or French bread, sliced
• 2 cups Gruyère or Swiss cheese, grated

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions:
   • Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
   • Add the butter and olive oil, allowing the butter to melt.
   • Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown. This process can take 30-45 minutes. Be patient; caramelizing the onions is essential for the soup’s flavor.
2. Deglaze the Pot (optional):
   • If using wine, pour it into the pot and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Add Sugar and Garlic:
   • Sprinkle sugar over the caramelized onions and add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add Broth and Seasonings:
   • Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf and thyme.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as the cheese topping will also add some saltiness.
   • Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

1. Prepare the Bread and Cheese Topping:
   • Preheat your oven’s broiler.
   • Slice the baguette into 1-inch thick rounds and toast them lightly.
   • Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls.
   • Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl of soup.
   • Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the bread.
2. Broil and Serve:
   • Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly and has a golden brown crust (usually 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning).
   • Use oven mitts to carefully remove the bowls from the oven.
   • Let the soup cool for a minute or two before serving. Be cautious; the bowls will be hot!
3. Enjoy!
   • Serve your French Onion Soup hot and enjoy the rich, savory flavors.

French Onion Soup is a delightful dish, perfect for a chilly day. The combination of sweet, caramelized onions, savory broth, and gooey cheese is sure to please your taste buds.