Slow Cooked French Onion Soup With Giant Garlic And Gruyere Croutons

Slow Cooked French Onion Soup, With Giant Garlic and Gruyere Croutons!

This soup really is a delight to eat and is the ideal winter warmer.There is just something comforting about slow the cooking the onions until they turn all soft and gooey and I love the wonderful aroma it fills the house with. I discovered this recipe whilst in France when I was younger, I haven't made it in a while however it tastes just like I remember. 

This recipe easily feeds 4-6 people and is a meal in itself - A messy meal (you might need to wear a bib!)

For The Soup

1.5kg (Approx. 6 large) Fresh White Onions, Sliced

1 litre of very good quality Fresh Beef Stock

50g Butter
Olive Oil

2 Tbs Brown Sugar

75ml Sherry 

Fresh Sage and Thyme

1 Crushed Clove of Garlic

Salt and Pepper

For The Croutons

1/2 Rustic French Baguette, thickly sliced

50g Butter

1 Crushed clove of garlic

Gruyere Cheese, finely grated

To Serve-optional

Sage Leaves

Creme Fraiche

To start, Melt the butter and oil in a large pan. Add the sliced onions, Fresh Sage and Season well with salt and pepper. Cover and leave to gently cook on a low heat until the onions are soft and caramelised  (This can take a while so be patient-its worth it. The lower the slower the better!)

Next add the brown sugar this brings out the sweetness and gives The onions more colour. Pour in the Beef stock, Sherry, Thyme and Garlic.  

Cover and leave to simmer.

Meanwhile get started on the croutons

Start by melting the crushed onions and butter together. Place the sliced baguette pieces on a baking tray and brush the butter mixture on top. Add a generous handful of grated cheese on top and grill them for a couple on minutes until they are lightly golden and crisp.

Assemble the soup in suitable bowls, serve with creme fraiche and extra cheese & garnish with sage and tuck in!