French Onion Soup

Instructions

1- Melt the butter with the oil in a large heavy-based pan.

2- Add the onions and fry with the lid on for 10 mins until soft.

3- Sprinkle in the sugar and cook for 20 mins more, stirring frequently, until caramelised.

4- The onions should be really golden, full of flavour and soft when pinched between your fingers.

5- Take care towards the end to ensure that they don’t burn.

6- Add the garlic for the final few mins of the onions’ cooking time, then sprinkle in the flour and stir well.

7- Increase the heat and keep stirring as you gradually add the wine, followed by the hot stock.

8- Cover and simmer for 15-20 mins.

9- To serve, turn on the grill, and toast the bread.

10- Ladle the soup into heatproof bowls.

11- Put a slice or two of toast on top of the bowls of soup, and pile on the cheese.

12- Grill until melted.

13- Alternatively, you can complete the toasts under the grill, then serve them on top.