CARAMELISED ONION & BARLEY SOUP WITH CHEESE CROUTONS

Caramelised onion & barley soup with cheese croutons image

Nutty and nutritious barley adds real substance to this twist on classic French onion soup

Provided by Good Food team

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions , thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves , thinly sliced
6 thyme sprigs, chopped
good pinch sugar
500ml vegetable stock
60g barley
60g cavolo nero or kale , thick stalks discarded and leaves sliced
4 slices baguette , toasted
4 tbsp grated gruyère cheese

Steps:

Heat the oil in a saucepan, then add the onions, garlic, thyme, sugar and a good pinch of salt. Cook on a medium-low heat for 15-20 mins or until golden coloured. Add the stock and simmer for a further 10 mins.
In a separate large saucepan of salted boiling water, cook the barley for 15 mins, adding the cavolo nero or kale for the final 3 mins of cooking. Drain and rinse under cold water, then add to the soup and warm through.
Heat the grill. Top the toasted bread with cheese and place under the grill until it's bubbly and melted. Serve in 2 large bowls with the cheesy croutons on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 434 calories, Fat 15 grams fat, SaturatedFat 5 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 59 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 13 grams sugar, Fiber 6 grams fiber, Protein 15 grams protein, Sodium 1.4 milligram of sodium