Ingredients:
* 4 medium onions, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons of butter
* 1 teaspoon of sugar
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1/2 cup of red wine (optional, you can use white wine if you prefer)
* 8 cups of broth
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* 4 slices of toasted bread
* 2 cups of grated Gruyère cheese (or Emmental)
Instructions:
* In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and stir well. Cook them slowly over medium-low heat, covered, for about 15-20 minutes. This slow-cooking process allows the onions to caramelize and develop a rich flavor.
* After 15-20 minutes, uncover the pot, reduce the heat, and continue to cook the onions until they are well caramelized and have turned a golden color. This may take another 20-30 minutes. Don’t rush this stage; slow cooking is the key to the success of French Onion Soup.
* When the onions are ready, sprinkle the teaspoon of sugar over them and stir for a minute until the sugar dissolves.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant.
* If desired, pour the red wine into the pot and bring it to a boil. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to reduce the wine slightly.
* Pour the beef broth into the pot, add the bay leaf, and dried thyme. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 45-60 minutes. Once again, the long cooking time is essential for developing rich flavors.
* Preheat the oven to 200°C. Arrange the toasted bread slices on a baking sheet.
* Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking.
* Ladle the hot French Onion Soup into individual soup bowls. Cover each bowl with a slice of toasted bread, then top with the grated Gruyère cheese.
* Place the bowls in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is golden and melted, usually taking 5-10 minutes.
* Serve your hot French Onion Soup, perfect for a rich and flavorful comfort food.
The key to a delicious French Onion Soup is patience in slow-cooking the onions and the lengthy preparation. The reward is a deep, rich dish that will delight your palate.
