French Onion Soup - Salamanca Fresh

Ingredients

• 6 large red or brown onions
• 60ml (4 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil
• 30g (2 tbsp) butter
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• sea salt to taste
• 2 litres beef stock, chicken stock, or a mix of both
• 125ml dry white wine or dry vermouth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tbsp brandy (optional)
• 8 thick slices of baguette or crusty sourdough
• 150g grated Gruyère cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)