Barr's french onion soup

16 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
5poundsUnpeeled onions
½cupButter; (1 stick)
teaspoonFreshly ground black pepper
2tablespoonsPaprika
1Bay leaf
7cansBeef broth; (about 16-oz)
1Divided (recommended swanson's)
1cupDry white wine; optional
¾cupAll-purpose or instant flour (such
1Wondra)
1Caramel coloring or kitchen bouquet
2teaspoonsSalt
1French baguettes, optional
1Swiss or gruyere cheese, optional

Directions

Peel onions and slice ⅛ inch thick, preferably in a food processor.

Melt butter in a 6-quart (or larger) stockpot. Add onions; cook, uncovered, over low heat for 1½ 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 breat and a sprinkling of grated cheese. Heat under the broiler until cheese melts and bubbles, about 5 minutes. Leftover soup can be frozen. Yield: 4 quarts.