Easy French Onion Soup

Ahhh, the comforts of a soaked slice of crusty bread swimming in warm, flavorful broth blanketed in melted cheese… It's the perfect start to any meal.

Serves 6  Prep Time 20 minutes  Cooking Time 40 minutes

4 white onions, sliced thinly
4 purple onions, sliced thinly
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons port wine or red wine
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken stock or beef stock
1 small loaf French bread, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick pieces
3/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese
2 tablespoons melted butter

1  Saute onions in butter until wilted, then add garlic and sugar. When onions have caramelized, add wine. Allow to boil, then lower heat to simmer for 3 minutes. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Pour in stock; let boil then lower heat to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.

(RELATED: Click to see How to Caramelize Onions)

2  Remove 1 1/2 cups of the cooked onions; drain well. Divide onions among 6 preheated soup bowls. Purée the rest of the soup in a blender. Heat the soup for a few minutes.

3  Toast bread until lightly browned. Place a slice in each bowl and pour the hot soup over. Cover the soup with a thick layer of grated cheese, sprinkle with melted butter, and broil until browned. Serve at once, piping hot.

Photography by At Maculangan| Food Styling by Jun Jun de Guzman | Prop Styling by Paulynn Chang Afable | Props from Rustan’s Department Store (Multiple Choice blue and white bowl, Hotel Line white soup bowls, Noritake plates with blue edge