French Onion Soup

prep time:: 45 min
total time:: 1 1/2 hr

Julie

ingredients

2 lb medium onions, halved lengthwise, then very thinly sliced lengthwise
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
2 tsp. all-purpose flour
3/4 cup dry white wine
4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth (32 fl oz)
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 (1/2-inch-thick) diagonal slices of baguette (can replace with croutons)
1 (1/2-lb) piece Gruyère or Emmental cheese
2 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Special equipment:
6 flameproof soup crocks or ramekins (8-10 oz.)

directions

1
Cook onions, thyme, bay leaves, and salt in butter in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, uncovered, stirring frequently, until onions are very soft and deep golden brown, about 45 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in wine and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Stir in broth, water, and pepper and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes.
2
While soup simmers, put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.
3
Arrange bread in 1 layer on a large baking sheet and toast, turning over once, until completely dry, about 15 minutes.
4
Remove croûtes from oven and preheat broiler. Put crocks in a shallow baking pan.
5
Discard bay leaves and thyme from soup and divide soup among crocks, then float a croûte in each. Slice enough Gruyère (about 6 ounces total) with cheese plane to cover tops of crocks, allowing ends of cheese to hang over rims of crocks, then sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano.
6
Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat until cheese is melted and bubbly, 1 to 2 minutes.

notes

Soups can be made 3 days ahead (but do not add bread and cheese to soup); cool completely, uncovered, then chill soup, covered. Reheat soup before proceeding with recipe.

Source: Julie Murray