French Onion Soup

A classic French recipe, easy to make. The recipe calls for 'a croutes' which is roasted vienna bread. Instead of Vienna bread you could use other crusty bread. If you like a more garlicy soup you could rub the bread with garlic prior to roasting. You could also use croutons although this might alter the flavour of the recipe.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs onions, very thinly sliced
• 3  shallots, finely diced
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1  tablespoon cognac
• 1⁄2 cup red wine
• 3  cups  beef stock
•  salt and pepper
• 4 1⁄2 slices  vienna bread, roasted in oven until dry
• 1  cup gruyere cheese, for garnish

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a soup pot and sauté the onions until very soft, at least 20 minutes.
2. Add the Cognac and the wine and cook for one minute.
3. Add the stock. Simmer, covered, 45 minutes.
4. Check the seasonings.
5. Ladle into oven-proof soup bowls and set on a baking sheet. Top each with a croûte (roasted Vienna bread).
6. Sprinkle the top generously with cheese. Broil in oven until the top is lightly brown, about 2 minutes.