FRENCH ONION SOUP RESTAURANT RECIPES

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the onions and cook over moderately high heat, stirring frequently, until softened and starting to brown, about 15 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of the Madeira, reduce the heat to moderate and cook until evaporated. Continue adding a total of 1/2 cup of the Madeira, 2 tablespoons at a time, stirring often and cooking until evaporated before adding more, about 15 minutes. Continue cooking the onions, stirring, until deep brown, about 10 minutes more.
• Add the chicken and beef stocks to the saucepan and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the soup is flavorful and the onions are tender, about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the balsamic vinegar and remaining 2 tablespoons of Madeira.
• Preheat the broiler. Arrange 6 ovenproof bowls on a baking sheet. Divide the soup among the bowls, top each with a bread slice and cover the bread with the cheese. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Garnish the soup with the scallions and serve.

Steps:

• Peel onions and slice 1/8 inch thick, preferably in a food processor.
• Melt butter in a 6-quart (or larger) stockpot. Add onions; cook, uncovered, over low heat for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
• (The long cooking time makes the onions mellow and sweet.) Stir in pepper, paprika and bay leaf; saute over low heat 10 minutes more, stirring frequently.
• Pour in 6 cans broth and wine. Increase heat and bring to a boil.
• Dissolve flour in remaining 1 can broth.
• Stir into boiling soup.
• Reduce heat and simmer slowly for 2 hours.
• Adjust color to a rich brown with caramel coloring, season with salt. Refrigerate overnight. To serve, heat soup in microwave or on stove top.
• If desired, pour into ovenproof crocks or bowls.
• Top with a slice of bread and a sprinkling of grated cheese. Heat under the broiler until cheese melts and bubbles, about 5 minutes.
• Leftover soup can be frozen.