FRENCH ONION BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP WITH GRUYÈRE

FRENCH ONION BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP WITH GRUYÈRE image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

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5 tablespoons butter
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
pinch of brown sugar
3 - 4 cups cooked, mashed butternut squash
2 cups chicken broth
coarse salt and fresh black pepper
2 - 3 cups shredded Gruyère or Emmental cheese

Steps:

1.In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, bay leaf, thyme and a pinch or two of brown sugar. 2.Cook the onions 25-35 minutes, stirring every few minutes until the onions are soft and caramelized. The onions should turn a deep brown color - if they begin to get burnt spots on them turn the heat down a little. 3.Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Stir in the squash and broth. Cook on medium-low an additional 15 - 20 minutes, stirring often and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. 4.Preheat the broiler and place 4 oven-proof bowls or crocks onto a baking sheet. Ladle soup into each bowl and sprinkle the tops of each one with 1/2 - 3/4 cup of cheese. 5.Place under broiler until cheese is completely melted with bubbly, brown spots. Serve immediately with crusty bread if desired.