French onion soup is a simple soup that exudes sophistication with its rich, savoury broth and sumptuous cheesy baguette topping. However, this culinary delight is not known for its convenience. The onions, which are the cornerstone of this robust soup, require at least thirty minutes to achieve their irrisistible caramelised perfection.
While it may never be as quick as microwaving a shop-bought soup, Mary Berry has crafted a recipe that promises a bowl of "classic and delicious" French onion soup in just an hour. BBC Good Food, whose users have given the recipe a perfect five-star rating, notes: "Golden-brown, caramelised onions cooked in a rich beef stock are served with cheesy mustard croûtes." Mary Berry's easy French onion soup recipe Preparation time: less than 30 mins Cooking time: 30 mins to 1 hour Serving: Six people 50g/13⁄4oz butter 1 tbsp olive oil 6 large white onions, thinly sliced 11⁄2 tbsp caster sugar 200ml/7fl oz white wine 2 litres/31⁄2 pints pint good rich beef stock 3 bay leaves sprig rosemary salt and freshly ground black pepper For the cheese mustard croûtes 1⁄2 thin baguette Dijon mustard 25g/1oz gruyère cheese, grated.
