Charlene's Recipe

Hearty French onion soup

Category: For good health

Serves 4
Ready in 1 hour

1/2 Tbsp unsalted margarine
4 medium size yellow onions, sliced
1/8 tsp sugar
2 Tbsp flour
5 cups low sodium beef broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 tsp dried thyme, crumbled
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp brandy (optional)
4 sliced toasted French Bread, about 1/4 inch thick
1 clove garlic, split lengthwise
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

In a large heavy saucepan, melt the margarine over moderate heat; add the onions and cook, uncovered, until golden--8-10 minutes. Blend in the sugar and flour and cook, stirring, 3 minutes longer.
Add the beef broth, wine, thyme, bay leaf and pepper; raise the heat to moderately high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly--about 6 minutes. Adjust the heat so that the mixture bubbles gently, and simmer, partly covered, for 30 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf, then stir in the brandy, if desired.
Preheat the broiler. Rub each piece of bread with the garlic and sprinkle with the cheese. Ladle the soup into 4 flameproof bowls and float a piece of bread, cheese side up in each one. Place the bowls in the broiler, 4-6 inches from the heat, and broil until the cheese is golden brown--about 2 minutes.