Classic French Onion Soup

The key to a great French onion soup is perfectly caramelizing the onion—patience is a virtue here—and will assure the end result is going to be delicious.

Recipe Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter
6 onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
6 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
6 slices French bread, toasted
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Cooking Directions:

1. In a large kettle, melt butter over low heat and cook onion, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, about 45 to 60 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes.
2. Add beef broth slowly to onion mixture, stirring constantly until mixture boils. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat broiler.
4. Place toast in individual oven-safe soup bowls. Sprinkle half of the Gruyère cheese over the slices of toast. Pour soup into each bowl and top with remaining cheese.
5. Place the bowls under broiler about 4 inches from the heat for 3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Makes 6 servings.