French Onion Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 500g onions, sliced
• 1 leek, sliced
• 2 tsp. brown sugar
• 4 cups beef stock
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• Sprinkle of thyme
• 1 cup red wine
• Splash of brandy or sherry, optional
• 1 tbsp. Mirin (rice wine vinegar) optional
• 4 slices multigrain bread
• 20g reduced fat cheese
• S & P to taste

Method

1. 1Heat a med-large pot with olive oil and add onions and leek.  Sauté for 20 mins on low heat, stirring occasionally.  Do not burn the onions; they need to be translucent and soft.
2. 2After about 20 mins add garlic, brown sugar, Mirin, brandy and stir for 1 minute.
3. 3Now add the red wine, sprinkle with thyme, stirring for another couple of mins then stock and season with S & P.
4. 4Simmer with lid on for 20-30 mins.
5. 5Meanwhile turn on grill.  Place your bread on bench and using a glass cut out a large circle.  Place grated cheese on top of the bread. Set aside on a tray for grilling.
6. 6When soup is ready, divide into large ramekins or heat resistant bowls.  Place each round bread on top of the soup and grill under a grill so cheese melts.
7. 7Serve immediately.