Rustic French Onion Soup with Gruyère Crostini

Ingredients

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 8 cups beef broth, low-sodium
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 bundle fresh thyme, tied with string
• 1 baguette French bread, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
• 1 cups Gruyère cheese, grated

Method

1. 01
   Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 02
   Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
3. 03
   Sprinkle sugar over the onions and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. 04
   Add flour to the onions and stir well to coat. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. 05
   Pour in the beef broth and white wine. Add the bundle of thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. 06
   While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.
7. 07
   Remove the thyme bundle from the soup and discard. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
8. 08
   Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese.
9. 09
   Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. 10
    Carefully remove from the oven and serve hot, with additional thyme for garnish if desired.