Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds yellow onions, sliced thin
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
Large pinch of sugar
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons flour
4 cups beef broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
A cheesecloth bag containing 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 12 parsley sprigs, 8 peppercorns and a bay leaf
1/2 cup finely minced onion
2-3 tablespoons Cognac
8 slices crusty French bread, cut 1-inch thick
Melted unsalted butter to taste
1 large clove garlic, halved
1 l/2 cups freshly grated Gruyere
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Directions
- Make the soup: In a large saucepan cook the onions in the butter and oil with sugar, salt and pepper to taste over moderately low heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until soft. Uncover and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Add the flour and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add the stock, wine, cheesecloth bag and salt and pepper to taste and cook, partially covered, skimming occasionally, 30 minutes. Season with minced onion and Cognac.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Arrange slices of bread on baking sheet, brush both sides with melted butter and bake, turning once, for 15 minutes, or until golden. Rub with garlic.
- Transfer soup to ovenproof bowls and cover with bread slices. Sprinkle with cheeses and drizzle with melted butter. Bake for 15 minutes, or until soup is simmering and cheese has melted. Run under a preheat broiler until cheese is golden.
- Recommended Wine: 1995 Beaujolais Nouveau