THREE-ONION SOUP

This is a lighter, more delicate version of traditional French onion soup, making it a nice starter for a hearty autumn meal. The flavour will benefit from being made ahead so you can have it ready and waiting to reheat just before serving. After step 2, let it cool, cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat to steaming before serving.

Ingredients

2 tbsp (25 mL) olive oil

3 leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced

1 red onion, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced

Salt and coarsely ground pepper

1/4 cup (50 mL) brandy or dry red wine

4 cups (1 L) vegetable stock (preferably reduced-sodium)

3 cups (750 mL) water

2 bay leaves

1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped fresh chives

1 Melt olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add leeks, red onion, 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt and 1/2 tsp (2 mL) pepper and saute for 2 minutes or until starting to soften. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, for about 45 minutes or until golden.

2 Increase heat to high. Add brandy and stir to scrape up any brown bits stuck to pan. Cook until almost evaporated. Stir in stock, water and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and boil gently, uncovered, for about 30 minutes or until reduced by about one-quarter and flavour is rich. Discard bay leaves.

3 Season soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into warmed bowls and sprinkle with chives.

Serves 6