French Onion Soup

Ingredients

• ½ cups Salted Butter
• 5 whole Medium Sized Onions, Peeled Halved And Thinly Sliced
• 1-½ teaspoon Salt, Divided
• 2 pinches Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
• 3 cloves Garlic, Chopped
• 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
• 2 whole Dried Bay Leaves
• 1-½ cup Full-bodied Red Wine (like Cabernet), About 1/2 Bottle
• 4 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
• 2 quarts Beef Broth
• 1 loaf French Bread Baguette, Sliced Into 1 1/2" Slices And Toasted Until Crisp
• 8 Tablespoons Fresh Shaved Parmesan Cheese, Divided
• 16 slices Provolone Cheese

Preparation Instructions

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the stick of butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Saute for 5-7 minutes, until onions have begun to sweat. Add garlic, thyme, and bay leaves and cook down for 25-30 minutes until onions are extremely soft and caramelized (stirring frequently).

Then add the wine, being sure to scrape the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and then simmer until the wine has evaporated, about 8-15 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and thyme springs. Dust the onions with the flour and cook over medium-low for 5-7 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Add the beef broth, and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes (or until ready to serve).

When ready to serve soup, ladle about 1-1 1/2 cups of soup into an oven safe bowl or soup crock, top with a toasted baguette slice, 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese, and lastly, 2 slices of provolone cheese. Repeat with remaining bowls of soup. Place all of the prepared soup bowls onto a baking sheet and place in the oven. Broil for 2-5 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbly (keep a close eye on them). Serve hot.