Ingredients

1 good knob butter
olive oil
1 good handful fresh sage leaf , 8 leaves reserved for serving
6 garlic cloves , peeled and crushed
5 red onions , peeled and sliced
3 large white onions , peeled and sliced
3 banana shallots , peeled and sliced
300 g leeks , trimmed , washed and sliced
sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 liters good-quality hot beef , chicken or 2 liters vegetable stock
8 slices of good-quality stale bread , 2cm thick
200 g freshly grated cheddar cheese
Worcestershire sauce
English Onion Soup with Sage and Cheddar is a warming and filling soup that originated in England. The combination of caramelized onions, leeks, and shallots creates a rich and savory base, while fresh sage and garlic add depth of flavor. The soup is then topped with slices of toasted bread and freshly grated cheddar cheese, which melt into the soup to form a delicious cheesy crust. This is a classic British staple dish that is perfect for cold and rainy days!

Instructions

1.In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2.Add garlic and most of the sage leaves; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3.Add onions, shallots, and leeks and cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
4.Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5.Pour in hot stock and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 30 minutes.
6.While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius and prepare the bread slices. Arrange them on a baking sheet and sprinkle generously with grated cheddar cheese.
7.Bake for about 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8.Serve the soup hot, ladled into bowls and topped with a slice of cheesy bread.
9.Garnish each serving with a few fresh sage leaves and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

PROS

This soup is warm and comforting, perfect for chilly days.

It is also a great option for vegetarians if made with vegetable stock.

The onion and leek combination is a nutritional powerhouse, high in vitamins and minerals.

CONS

This soup takes quite some time to make, so it is not ideal for a quick meal.

The smell of cooked onions can be overpowering for some people.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Onions are high in antioxidants, which fight inflammation and can help protect against certain diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Leeks are a good source of vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health, and vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting and bone health.
Garlic has been shown to boost the immune system and may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

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