INGREDIENTS
6
large red or yellow onions (about 3 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced root to stem (see How to Slice an Onion), about 10 cups of sliced onions total
4 tbsp
Olive oil
2 tbsp
butter
1
teaspoon of sugar
Salt
2 cloves
garlic, minced
8 cups
beef stock, chicken stock, or a combination of the two (traditionally the soup is made with beef stock)
1/2 cup
dry vermouth or dry white wine
2
bay leaves
4
teaspoons of fresh thyme (can also use a few sprigs of fresh thyme) OR 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 tsp
freshly ground black pepper
2
Tbsp brandy (optional)
8
inch-thick slices of French bread or baguette
1 1/2 cups
grated Swiss Gruyere and a sprinkling of Parmesan