Classic French Onion Soup

Classic French Onion Soup

Ingredients:

– 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 cups beef broth
– 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 baguette, sliced
– 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Onions**:
– In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the sliced onions and sugar, stirring occasionally. Cook the onions until they are caramelized, about 25-30 minutes. They should be deep golden brown but not burnt.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. **Add the Broth and Seasonings**:
– Pour in the beef broth and white wine (if using).
– Add the bay leaves and thyme.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.

3. **Prepare the Bread**:
– While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

4. **Assemble and Serve**:
– Preheat your broiler.
– Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Place a slice or two of the toasted baguette on top of the soup in each bowl.
– Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese over the bread.
– Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

5. **Garnish and Serve**:
– Carefully remove the bowls from the oven.
– Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme if desired.
– Serve immediately, being cautious as the bowls will be very hot.

Enjoy your comforting and delicious French onion soup!