Easy French onion soup
Classic and delicious – it's Mary's easy French onion soup. Golden-brown, caramelised onions cooked in a rich beef stock are served with cheesy mustard croûtes.
Ingredients
- 50²µ/1¾´Ç³ú butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 large white onions, thinly sliced
- 1½ tbsp caster sugar
- 200ml/7fl oz white wine
- 2 litres/3½ pints pint good rich beef stock
- 3 bay leaves
- sprig rosemary
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the cheese mustard croûtes
- ½ thin baguette
- Dijon mustard
- 25g/1oz ²µ°ù³Ü²âè°ù±ð cheese, grated
Method
Melt the butter and oil in a deep saucepan. Add the onion and fry over high heat for few minutes. Cover, lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Remove the lid, sprinkle in the sugar and some salt and pepper, and fry for a few minutes. Cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or until the onion is tender, golden-brown and caramelised.
Add the wine and boil for a few minutes, add the stock and the herbs and cook for another 8–10 minutes.
To make the croûtes, slice the baguette, toast one side under the grill. Spread the bread side with mustard and top with grated cheese. Grill until just melted.
Remove the herbs, check the seasoning and serve in hot bowls with the cheese croûtes on top.
Recipe Tips
The soup can be made up to 4 days ahead, and it freezes well. The croûtes can be assembled up to 8 hours ahead – simply grill to serve.
