French Onion Soup

Serves: to serve 4

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Ready In: 45 mins

Ingredients

4 large - onions

2 tablespoons - duck fat, goose fat or oil

1 heaped tablespoon - flour

1¾ pints - water

1 - beef stock cube

  - salt and pepper

4 thick slices - bread

6 oz - Emmental cheese (Cheddar if you prefer)

Directions

1. Peel and thinly slice the onions. In a large saucepan, heat two tablespoons of duck fat (oil) and add the onions. Heat gently, stirring often with a wooden spoon until the onions turn limp and translucent (but not brown). Add the flour to the pan and continue stirring. As soon as the flour turns brown, add the water, stock cube and salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Bring to boiling, then reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile grate (shred) the cheese and cut the bread into circles that will fit into your soup bowls. Pour the soup into ovenproof soup dishes, float a slice of bread on each and generously sprinkle with the grated cheese. Place the dishes under a hot grill or in a hot oven until the cheese has melted then serve immediately.