Famour-Barr's French Onion Soup

By Sherrie_Adair

Ingredients

• 5 pounds unpeeled onions
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1-1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 quarts beef broth(regular or low-sodium)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup white wine, optional
• Kitchen Bouquet, optional
• 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
• Sourdough or French baguetts, thinly sliced, optional
• Swiss or Gruyere cheese, optional

Preparation

Step 1

The keys to making this soup are using a food processor to slice the onions and to not rush the cooking process. Use regular yellow onions, not sweet onions.

1. Peel onions and slice 1/8 inch thick, Melt butter in a 6-quart(or larger) stockpot. Add onions; cook, uncovered, over low heat for 1-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Sprinkle with pepper, paprika and flour and add bay leaf; saute over low heat 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Slowly pour in broth and wine, stirring constantly. Increase heat and bring to a boil.
4. As soon as the soup boils, reduce heat to low and simmer very slowly for 2 hours.
5. If desired, adjust color to a rich brown with Kitchen Bouquet. Season with salt. Refrigerate overnight so flavors can blend.
6. To serve, reheat soup. Pour into ovenproof crocks or bowls. Top with a slice of bread and a sprinkling of grated cheese, Heat under the broiler until cheese melts.
Per cup: 145 calorries, 6g fat; 3.5g saturated fat; 15mg cholesterol; 5g protein; 18g carbohydrate; 6g sugar; 3g fiber 760mg sodium 35mg calcium.