French Onion Soup

  • 12
  • 10 mins
  • 120 mins

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 8 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 c brandy
  • 2 Tbsp firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 2 (32-ounce) cartons beef broth
  • 2 Tbsp malt vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 12 thick slices French bread
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 4 c shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
  • Garnish: fresh parsley

Preparation

Step 1

In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and 1/2 tsp salt, medium heat. Add onion and 1/2 tsp salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden brown and tender, about 45 minutes.

Stir in flour, and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Stir in brandy and brown sugar; cook for 2 minutes. Stir in broth and vinegar, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in parsley.

Preheat oven to broil. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.

Arrange bread slices on prepared pan. Brush with oil, and sprinkle with pepper and remaining 1/2 tsp salt.

Broil until toasted, 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Ladle soup into individual ovenproof bowls, and place bowls on baking sheet; top with bread slice and cheese.

Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve immediately. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

From Cooking with Paula Dean, January/February 2016.