​Classic French Onion Soup

​Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 slices French bread or baguette, toasted
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and Swiss cheese)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Onions:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are caramelized and golden brown. This should take about 25-30 minutes. Stir in the sugar halfway through to help with caramelization.
2. Add Garlic and Deglaze:
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
   • If using white wine, pour it in and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer until the wine is mostly evaporated.
3. Simmer the Soup:
   • Add the beef broth, water, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
4. Prepare the Toasted Bread:
   • While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Serve:
   • Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks.
   • Place a toasted bread slice on top of each bowl of soup, then sprinkle generously with grated cheese.
   • Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
   • Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional thyme if desired.

Tips:

• Onion Caramelization: Take your time to caramelize the onions; it’s the key to rich flavor.
• Broiler Use: Make sure your bowls are oven-safe and handle high heat well.
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can skip it and use extra broth or water instead.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade French Onion Soup with its rich, savory flavor and gooey cheese topping!