French Onion Soup Recipe

Ingredients (15)

• 6 large red or yellow onions (about 3 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced root to stem (see How to Slice an Onion), about 10 cups of sliced onions total
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Kosher salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef stock, chicken stock, or a combination of the two (traditionally the soup is made with beef stock)
• 1/2 cup dry vermouth or dry white wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (can also use a few sprigs of fresh thyme) OR 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons brandy (optional)
• 8 slices (1 inch thick) French bread or baguette
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere
• Sprinkling of Parmesan