Bowls of genuine GOODNESS

Delicious and warming meals with star ingredients that will help boost your immunity

FRENCH ONION SOUP WITH GRUYERE AND HAM CROUTONS

Onions are high in vitamin C, which aids the immune system in fighting toxins.

SERVES 4

• 30g (loz) unsalted butter
• 2tbsp olive oil
• 4 large white onions, thinly sliced
• 1tsp chopped thyme leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp yeast extract
• 30g (loz) plain flour - Iltr (1.75pt) beef stock
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the croutons:

• 10g (740z) unsalted butter
• 10g (740z) plain flour
• 100ml (37/2fl oz) whole milk
• 100ml (372fl oz) double cream
• 150g (5120z) Gruyère cheese, grated
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 thin baguette, cut into 5mm (Vin) thin slices
• 2tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 slices of Bayonne ham, torn into small pieces

1. Heat the butter and oil in a large saucepan over a low-medium heat. Add the onions, thyme, garlic and bay leaf and cook slowly, covered, for 20-25 mins until the onions are soft. Stir in the yeast extract and cook for a further 1 min. Stir in the flour and whisk in the stock. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5-10 mins, taste and season with salt and pepper.

2. For the Gruyère and ham croutons, heat the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over a medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour. Whisk in the milk and the cream. Add half the grated Gruyère cheese and whisk until melted. Season with salt and pepper, and mix in the cayenne pepper. Allow the sauce to cool. Cut a circle of baking paper and place on top while the sauce is cooling to prevent a skin forming.