French Onion Soup Gratinée

Ingredients

• 3 large, thinly sliced yellow onions
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine(optional)
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme(optional)
• 1 bay leaf(optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 6 1/2-inch slices baguette
• 1 cup, shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   Melt butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden brown.

2. 2

   Add white wine (if using) and scrape up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes, then add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes. Preheat broiler.

3. 3

   Taste and adjust seasoning; remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Ladle soup into two oven-safe bowls set on a baking sheet.

4. 4

   Toast baguette slices under the broiler for 1-2 minutes per side until golden. Place 2-3 slices on top of each bowl of soup.

5. 5

   Top each bowl generously with shredded Gruyère and broil 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned. Serve hot.