French Onion Soup
Serves: Makes about 2 quarts
 
Ingredients
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 pounds Vidalia or other sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 pound red onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
  • 10 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 6 (1-inch-thick) slices baguette
  • 1 cup shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese
  • Garnish: chopped fresh thyme, ground black pepper
Instructions
  1. In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add all onions; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 15 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in salt, sugar, and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden brown, about 50 minutes. Gradually stir in broth and vinegar, scraping bottom of pot with a wooden spoon.
  2. Tie thyme sprigs and bay leaves together with kitchen string; add to pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook until soup is slightly thickened, about 30 minutes. Discard herb bundle.
  3. Preheat oven to broil. Place 6 (1-cup) broiler-safe ramekins on a baking sheet.
  4. Ladle soup into ramekins. Top each with a baguette slice; sprinkle with cheese.
  5. Broil until cheese is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Garnish with thyme and pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
This soup freezes well. Let cool completely, and then freeze in 1-quart portions for up to 3 months. Be sure to label and date the package.
Recipe by Paula Deen Magazine at https://pauladeenmagazine.com/french-onion-soup/