Hearty French Onion Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 Tbsp. unsalted margarine
4 medium yellow onions, sliced
1/8 tsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
5 c. low sodium beef broth
1/2 c. dry white wine
1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crumbled
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 Tbsp. brandy (optional)
4 slices toasted French bread (each about 1/4-inch thick)
1 clove garlic, split lengthwise
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

In large heavy saucepan, melt the margarine over moderate heat; add onions and cook, uncovered, until golden, 8 to 10 minutes.
Blend in sugar and flour and cook, stirring, 3 minutes longer.
Add beef broth, wine, thyme, bay leaf and pepper; heat to moderately high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly, about 6 minutes.
Adjust heat so the mixture bubbles gently; simmer, partly covered, for 30 minutes.
Remove and discard bay leaf; stir in brandy, if desired.
Preheat broiler; rub each piece of bread with the garlic and sprinkle with cheese.
Ladle the soup into 4 ovenproof bowls and float a piece of bread, cheese side up, in each one.
Place bowls in the broiler 4 to 6 inches from the heat and broil until the cheese is golden brown, about 2 minutes. Serves 4.