French Onion Soup

It always amazes me how just a few simple ingredients can be transformed into a dish that is so decadent and satisfying.  The secret to a great French Onion Soup is to let the onions slowly caramelize until they are soft, golden and sweet.  I adapted this recipe from a Williams Sonoma version and it received great reviews at last night's dinner party. 

2 1⁄2 lb. yellow onions

3 Tbs. unsalted butter

1 Tbs. canola oil

Pinch of sugar

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

2 cups light red or dry white wine

6 cups beef stock

1 can beef consomme'
1 bay leaf

2 t. dried thyme

6 slices coarse country bread, each 1 1⁄2 inches thick

3 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (Please don't use Swiss!)

Using a mandoline or sharp knife, thinly slice the onions lengthwise. Set aside.

In a large, heavy pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter with the oil. Add the onions, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, adding the sugar and seasoning with salt and pepper, until the onions are meltingly soft, golden and lightly caramelized, 25 to 30 minutes.

Add the wine, increase the heat to high and cook until the liquid is reduced by about half, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the stock, consomme, bay leaf and thyme, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, until it is dark and fully flavored, about 45 minutes. If the liquid is evaporating too quickly and the soup seems to taste too strong, add a little water, then cover the pot and continue cooking.

Just before serving, preheat an oven to 400° F. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast, turning once, until golden on both sides, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard. Arrange 6 ovenproof soup bowls on a baking sheet and ladle the hot soup into the bowls. Place a piece of toast on top of each bowl and sprinkle evenly with the cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and the toasts are lightly browned around the edges, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve immediately.