French onion soup: Savor a taste of Paris at home

The combination of sweet onions, savory broth, white wine, and melted cheese has captivated millions. It is often served in small crocks, which are baked with a cheese toast. It's an inexpensive dish yet truly impressive.

Onion is, of course, the main star of the soup. Its distinctive flavor comes from long caramelization, which gives the soup sweet and slightly sugary notes. The whole dish is enhanced with the dry notes of white wine. You don't have to worry about the alcohol because most of it evaporates during cooking, leaving just the enhanced taste.

Ingredients:

• 5 1/2 tablespoons of butter,
• 2 2/3 pounds of onions,
• 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme,
• 1 tablespoon of sugar,
• 2 bay leaves,
• 3-4 allspice berries,
• 7 ounces of dry white wine,
• 3 tablespoons of wheat flour,
• 68 ounces of beef broth.

Remaining ingredients:

• Half a baguette,
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter,
• 5 1/2 ounces of gruyere cheese.

Method of preparation:

Step 1: Melt butter in a pot and add onions, sliced into feathers. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally. The onions should cook slowly without burning.

Step 2: Slice the baguette into slices and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with melted butter and put in an oven preheated to 340°F for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Add sugar, allspice, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs tied with a string to the onions. Once caramelized, gradually add white wine. Remove thyme, season with salt and pepper, and add a tablespoon of flour. Mix and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil.

Step 4: Pour a serving of soup into a small ramekin or ovenproof dish. Place a crouton on top and generously sprinkle with gruyere cheese. Bake in an oven preheated to 390°F for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Serve the ready soup hot, straight from the oven. Enjoy!