Onion Soup Gratiné

Ingredients

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 pounds thinly sliced yellow onions
• 4 thyme sprigs
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white wine
• 8 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 baguette
• 1 pound shredded Gruyère cheese

Preparation

1. 1. Melt 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter and 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a large pot. Add 3 lb. thinly sliced yellow onions and 4 thyme sprigs; cook, covered, on medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring often.
2. 2. Uncover, add 1 tsp. sugar and 1/2 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring often, until onions are deep brown and caramelized, 30 to 40 minutes. Add 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour; cook for 2 minutes more, stirring.
3. 3. Add 1 cup white wine and 8 cups low-sodium beef broth; stir up browned bits on bottom of pot. Lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes; stir occasionally. Season with pepper.
4. 4. Preheat oven to 425ºF. Cut 1 baguette into 8 thick slices. Spread both sides with 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter; place on a baking sheet. Toast until golden on both sides, 5 to 8 minutes, turning over once.
5. 5. Fill 8 bowls with soup. Place a slice of toast on top of each bowl. Divide 1 lb. shredded Gruyère on top. Set bowls on baking sheets; bake until cheese is bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes.