French Onion Soup with Cognac

The starter for the 'Alcohol' themed dinner party.



French Onion Soup with Cognac
serves 4-5 as a starter

350g brown onions, sliced
50g butter
40ml/2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1l vegetable stock
125ml/1/2 cup dry white wine
40ml/2 tbsp cognac
2 t white pepper, or to taste
4-8 slices crusty white bread
8 tbsp vegetarian parmesan or gruyère cheese, grated

Heat butter, oil in a pot on high heat.
Add onions, garlic.
Stir occasionally until onions darken, 5-10 mins.
Turn heat down to lowest setting.
Add wine. Stir well.
Leave onions to simmer for about 15 mins.
Add stock. Season with white pepper.
Stir well, scraping the bottom of pot.
Turn up heat to med-high.
When soup starts to boil, Reduce heat.
Leave to simmer, uncovered, for about 1 hour.
Add cognac.
Check seasonings.
Pre-heat oven grill to 200°C/390°F.
Ladle soup into oven-proof bowls.
Top each with a slice of bread (or 2).
Sprinkle with grated parmesan/gruyère.
Grill each until cheese has melted.
Serve immediately.
Watch out for hot bowls!