Rich and Simple French Onion Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef stock
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 baguette, sliced

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 25 minutes.
3. Add the beef stock, thyme, and bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
6. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
7. Top each bowl of soup with a slice of baguette and sprinkle with the Gruyere and Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve hot.

Interesting Facts

• French onion soup is a classic recipe that has been around since the 18th century.
• The key to the perfect onion soup is to caramelize the onions slowly and patiently.
• Gruyere and Parmesan cheese are the traditional cheeses used for French onion soup, but any type of cheese can be used.
• The soup can also be served without the cheese and baguette for a lighter version.