GERMAN ONION SOUP

German Onion Soup image

Provided by Vickie Parks

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 medium onions (or 2 large) - peeled and cut into thin slices
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
3/4 cup dry white wine
1 quart vegetable broth (or low-sodium chicken broth)
2 sprig(s) fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
4 slice thick-sliced french bread
1/2 cup grated gouda cheese or grated gruyere cheese

Steps:

1. Melt butter over medium heat in a Dutch oven or stockpot. Add a pinch of thyme, nutmeg and black pepper. Sauté sliced onions in the butter mixture for about 15 minutes, or until they start turning golden brown, stirring occasionally. NOTE: To properly caramelize the onions, resist overcrowding the pan. Also, keep the heat steady and don't cook at too high a temperature or you'll scorch the onions before they're properly caramelized.
2. Add the wine, broth, fresh thyme and bay leaves to the soup. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. While soup is simmering, prepare the cheese toast by dividing the cheese among the bread slices. Place the breads on a broiler pan, and place under a broiler (or in a counter-top toaster oven) for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese has started to melt. (You don't want the cheese fully melted yet, because it will get broiled again in the next step.)
5. To serve, remove thyme and bay leaves from the soup. Divide the onion soup among 4 oven-proof soup bowls. Float a cheese toast on top of each serving, then sprinkle a few tablespoons of extra grated cheese on top. Place soup bowls on a broiler pan and place under broiler for a few minutes or until the cheese begins to brown. Serve immediately. Be careful, as the soup will be very hot and can burn if splashed when serving or eating.