Ingredients: |
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs or about 5 cups of thinly sliced yellow onions (do not use sweet) 3 Tbsp butter 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp Kosher salt 1/4 tsp sugar 3 tbsp flour 2 quarts (64 oz) beef stock (or water with beef bouillon) 1/2 cup (4 oz) dry white wine or dry vermouth Kosher salt and pepper to taste 1 Tbsp cognac or brandy (optional, Julia’s recipe has 3 tbsp, but I prefer less) French, Italian or rustic loaf bread, cut into bite sized croutons, toasted 1 to 2 cups of grated, real Swiss Cheese (Julia used Swiss or Parmesan) I used Gruyere
|
Directions: |
Directions:In a large, heavy bottomed pot, add the butter and oil, then the sliced onions. Cook slowly, with the lid on, for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Remove the lid, turn the heat up to medium, add the salt and sugar, and stir often for about 40 minutes, until the onions are a deep golden brown.
Add the flour and continue to cook and stir for another 3 or 4 minutes. Remove from heat and add the stock/water/bouillon and wine/vermouth.
Add salt and pepper to taste and return to the cooktop, and simmer for an additional 30 to 40 minutes.
Just before the soup is ready, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
When the soup is ready, add the brandy/cognac, if using and check for seasoning; ladle it into ovenproof bowls, and top with the cubes of toasted bread.
Don’t ruin the soup by using cheap cheese! Use the best, real Gruyere from Switzerland
Sprinkle the cheese on top of the toast, as desired.
Repeat to make about 6 bowls and put on a tray and put into the center of the oven for about 15 minutes.
Reset the oven to broil (grill) and move the tray of bowls closer to the top to get a nice golden color on the cheese, which should be watched carefully as it can burn quickly. Serve immediately. |