Easy French Onion Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp flour (optional for thickening)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, for caramelizing)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 baguette (sliced)
• 1½ cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions:
   In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Add sugar if needed to enhance caramelization.
2. Add Flour (Optional):
   Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well. Cook for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Simmer the Soup:
   Pour in the broth and water. Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
4. Prepare the Bread:
   While the soup simmers, toast the baguette slices until lightly golden.
5. Assemble and Serve:
   Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted bread on top and sprinkle generously with cheese. Broil in the oven until the cheese melts and is bubbly.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
   Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve hot and savor every spoonful of this rich, flavorful soup!