French Onion Soup

I have two ways to make this simple but delicious soup. The first is for friends who like it dark. The other for those who like it thick and pale.

 

Onion Soup 1

 

You will need :-

60 g (2 oz) butter

2 teaspoons sugar  

6 medium onion, finely sliced                         

5 cups (2 pints) beef stock, use cube

2 tablespoons brandy

salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 rounds French bread cut 1 cm (1/2 inch) thick and toasted

4 tablespoons Gruyere cheese, grated

                             

Cooking Time : - 1 hour 15 minutes                              

 

Set deep or shallow fry pan on low heat, melt butter with the sugar, add the onions, stir them into the butter and cook them slowly until they are a rich golden brown. Raise temperature and gradually add the stock. When the stock begins to boil, reduce the heat again to simmer and cook for about 45 minutes with the pan covered. The soup will not spoil if kept waiting.

 

Just before serving add brandy and season to taste with salt and pepper. Place a round of toast and some cheese into each bowl before covering with the piping hot soup. Serves 4-6.

 

Onion Soup 2

 

You will need :-

45 g (1.5 oz) butter

250 g (8 oz) onions, halved and finely sliced

1 tablespoon flour

5 cups (2 pints) water

salt and pepper to taste                         

1/2 bayleaf

4 slices French cut 1 cm (1/2 pinch) thick and toasted

3 tablespoons Gruyere or Cheddar cheese, grated

                                                           

Cooking Time : - 35-45 minutes           

 

Heat deep or shallow fry pan on medium, melt butter and add the onions, stirring until they are well coated with the butter, then reduce heat and gently sauté the onion for approx. for 15 minutes. They should take on a rich golden color but not be brown. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well, cook for 2 minutes. Add water gradually, stirring all the time smooth and creamy. Add bayleaf, salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 20 minutes or so.

 

When ready to serve place toast into individual serving bowls or one tureen, sprinkle toast with cheese and pour the soup over. If you prefer a crusty top, pour soup directly into serving bowls, place toasted bread on top and sprinkle with cheese, then brown for 2 minutes under preheated grill. Serves 4.

 

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