recipes

french onion soup

• 8 brown onions, sliced
• 30g butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons plain (all-purpose) flour
• 2 tablespoons brandy
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 litres beef stock
• 2 cups (500ml) water
• cheese sandwiches or parmesan toasts, to serve

Place the onions, butter, oil and thyme in a large saucepan over medium heat, cover and cook for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
  Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes.
  Add the brandy and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the mustard, stock and water and allow to simmer for 15 minutes. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with toasted cheese sandwiches or parmesan toasts. Serves 4–6.
*The secret to making this soup is to brown the onions very well, until they are a deep golden colour, a lovely soft texture, and really sweet and flavoursome. This is quite a rich soup and is ideal served as a meal with toasted bread or sandwiches on the side. If serving as a starter, offer just a small bowl of French onion soup or make the main course a light one.