French Onion Soup

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 tbspbutter
• 1 tbspolive oil
• 2 1/4 lbonions, thinly sliced
• 1 tspsugar
• 4 clovegarlic, sliced
• 2 tbspall-purpose flour
• 1 cupdry white wine
• 4 1/4 cupsbeef stock, hot
• 4bread, thick slices, for toasting
• 1 1/2 cupsgruyère, grated

Method

1. 1

   Melt the butter with the oil in a large heavy-based pan. Add the onions, cover with a lid, and fry for 10 minutes until soft.

2. 2

   Sprinkle in the sugar and cook uncovered for 20 minutes more, stirring frequently, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Watch carefully toward the end to prevent burning.

3. 3

   Add the garlic for the final few minutes of cooking. Sprinkle in the flour, stir well, then increase the heat and gradually add the wine, stirring constantly.

4. 4

   Pour in the hot beef stock, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes.

5. 5

   Turn on the broiler. Toast the bread slices. Ladle the soup into heatproof bowls, top with toast, and pile on the grated Gruyère. Broil until melted and bubbling.