Ingredients
4.5 lb. (2kg) red onions or yellow onions, peeled, germ removed and thinly sliced
6.5 Tbsp (100g) unsalted butter
1 bay leaf & 3 sprigs fresh thyme
1.2 cups (300ml) ruby port
1.2 cups (300ml) red wine such as pinot noir
Celtic sea salt or kosher salt, ground black pepper to taste.
Stock Option 1
4 cups (1L) demi glace (watch video: Veal Stock & Demi Glace)
4 cups (1L) water.
Stock Option 2
2 qt (2L) veal stock (watch video: Veal Stock & Demi Glace).
Stock Option 3
2 qt (2L) remouillage / remy.
Stock Option 4
6 qt (6L) store-bought low sodium veal/beef stock/broth; reduced to 2 qt (2L).
Garnishing
1.2 lb (500g) Conté or Gruyère cheese, shredded. (1 ounces (60g per serving).
French baguette or country levain bread, sliced, toasted, rubbed with garlic and cut into croutons if desired.
Freshly ground black pepper.
Steps
- In a hot pot or cast iron Dutch oven, add butter, onions and a pinch of celtic sea salt and stir them up for about 3 minutes, on high heat. Throw in the thyme and the bay leaf and let cook for 20 minutes on low heat; covered. Covering the pot at this stage encourages the release of moisture. After 20 minutes, remove the lid and give a stir. Continue to cook for 15 minutes or more, scraping the bottom each time the caramelization begins to occur. (As onions cook, they will take on a sweeter, caramel-like aroma and they will lose a lot of volume).
- Deglaze with port and red wine and reduce to dry – it should take 15 minutes more. Add demi glace and water or veal stock or remouillage. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes; covered. Discard thyme and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to individual bowl if desired. Onion soup can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Top soup with a slice of toasted bread or a few croutons (do not add to much bread; it will suck up too much liquid). Add cheese and place the onion soup under the broiler for a few minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately. Bon appétit!