Toast French bread in 350 °F [180°C] oven for about 15 minutes until dry and lightly browned.
In a heavy, large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until it begins to foam. Reduce heat to low
and add onions and garlic, simmer, uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally (add butter during cooking process, if necessary).
Increase heat to medium and add sugar and sauté onions until a deep golden brown; about 30 minutes.
Increase heat to high, pour the wine into the onions; reduce the liquid by 2/3. Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle the flour onto the onions.
and stir until all traces of flour disappear. Gradually stir in the beef broth and water, add the bay leaf and season to taste with
salt and pepper. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer the soup, uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf Pour hot soup into bowls, float bread on top; sprinkle generously with Gruyere cheese
and a little grated parmesan. Broil the soup, in the middle of the over for 15 to 20 minutes, till bubbly and lightly browned.
NOTE: This soup keeps well 3 day covered and refrigerated, or frozen.
If using canned beef broth and you find the soup too salty, add 1 tbsp [15 mL] of lemon juice to reduce the salty flavor.
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