Onion Soup Gratine
 

Onion Soup Gratine

The slow caramelization of cooking the onions, leeks and shallots gives this French onion-like soup a rich and complex flavor. Gratine in French means to top with a browned crust, typically bread and cheese. Cooking this soup takes some time (and a little patience), but it will be worth every minute.

SERVING SIZE

serves 4

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 1/2 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced

2 large shallots, thinly sliced

3 leeks, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon kosher salt

3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup Marsala wine

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

8 cups vegetable or beef stock

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 large sprigs thyme

1 bay leaf

4 thick slices of artisan bread, toasted until crisp

2 tablespoons butter

1 medium clove garlic

1 pound Gruyere cheese, grated

freshly minced chives, for garnish

 

INSTRUCTIONS

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In a large,  thick-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat until smoky. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add in the shallots and leeks. Lower heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until onions, leeks and shallots are a rich golden brown in color, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Be careful not to burn the onions, or they will end up tasting bitter. If the browned onions threaten to burn, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water, scrape up the browned bits and continue cooking. At the end of the cooking time, season with salt and pepper.

Pour in the Marsala wine and apple cider vinegar and bring to a simmer, scraping up any caramelized bits. Cook until the alcohol is mostly gone, about 3 minutes. Add the stock, garlic, thyme sprig and bay leaf. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Discard thyme stems and bay leaf.

Preheat the broiler and position oven rack to top position. Butter toasts and rub all over with the garlic clove until fragrant.

Spoon the soup into 4 oven-proof serving bowls, until 3/4 full. Top with garlic toast and smother with cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and browned in spots.

Garnish with chives and serve.

  PRINT VERSION

vegetable plate

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