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This stunning French onion soup recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. As Louise explains, the key to perfecting this dish lies in having a little patience – take your time and witness the beauty of the humble onion being transformed into an exquisite dish.
Add the sliced onions, olive oil and thyme sprigs to a large heavy duty roasting tray, season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Cover with foil and place in the oven for 45 minutes, giving the onions a stir halfway through
3
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and the thyme springs. Stir and sprinkle over the sugar then roast uncovered for 15 minutes
4
Add the crushed garlic, stir well again and roast uncovered for a further 15 minutes
5
Remove the tray from the oven and place over a medium heat on the hob. Add the wine, stir well and allow to bubble briskly for a 3–4 minutes
6
Spoon the onion and wine mixture into a large saucepan and add the beef stock. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes
7
Meanwhile, toast the baguette slices in the oven for 10 minutes, turning them over halfway through until crisp but not too coloured
8
Preheat the grill its highest setting
9
Add the veal jus to the onion soup to taste, season with salt and pepper if required and stir well. Continue to simmer for a further 5 minutes
10
Ladle the soup into heatproof bowls and top each with two toasted baguette slices
11
Scatter over the grated Gruyère and sprinkle over a few thyme leaves. Place the bowls under the grill until the cheese is bubbling then serve immediately