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
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!)
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!