Cycling is a big thing in our family, well for Phil anyway (photographer of how to be a cyclist, and 12 months in the saddle books). So this time of year the TV is full of highlights of the spring classics collimating with the Tour de France in July.

To celebrate this event I have decided to cook something truly French, this delicious hearty bowl of French onion soup.

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French Onions Soup
Serves 2

Ingredients

500g onion, halved and thinly sliced
25g butter
A splash of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sugar
3 garlic cloves, sliced
1 tablespoon plain flour
125ml white wine (optional)
600ml hot vegetable stock
4 slices toasted bread
70g cheese grated

Method

Firstly melt the butter in a large pan with the oil, then add the onions and fry for about 10 minutes until slightly softened.

Stir in the sugar and carry on cooking for 15 minutes, until starting to caramelised, keep stirring so it doesn’t burn. The onions will start to turn golden.

Add the garlic to the onions and cook a few minutes more, then add in the flour and cook for a minute more stirring well, before increasing the heat and adding the wine and the hot vegetable stock giving it all a good mix.

Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste.

Serve the soup with toasted bread with grilled cheese on top.