Yellow onions and leeks are mandoline-sliced and browned in a little butter with fresh thyme, bay and cracked allspice, then simmered in equal parts homemade chicken and beef bone broth, a little raw cider vinegar, sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper. Served with Parmigiano-Reggiano-crusted sourdough croutons..
3 medium yellow onions, peeled and quartered
1 medium leek, trimmed and rinsed free of dirt and sand
1-1/2 tablespoons cultured/pastured butter
1 teaspoon freshly-cracked allspice
2 small bay leaves
1 small bunch fresh thyme, stripped
3 cups homemade beef stock or broth
3 cups homemade chicken stock or broth
1/4 cup raw apple cider vinegar
sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
2 slices sourdough boule, torn into 1-inch pieces
1-1/2 tablespoons cultured/pastured butter
2 tablespoons shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
Combine beef and chicken broth in a heavy pot and bring to a rapid boil. Reduce heat to medium and allow to simmer until reduced in volume by about 25%. Add vinegar, reduce heat to medium-low and keep hot.
Meanwhile, slice onions and leeks to about 1/8-inch thickness (a mandoline makes this easy) and add to a hot, dry skillet. Stir often until onions begin to brown, then add butter, bay, allspice and thyme and continue to cook until onions are well browned, about 10-15 minutes.
Pour onion mixture into reduced stock and stir to combine. Allow to simmer 10 minutes. Season to taste with sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper.
Meanwhile, saute torn sourdough in butter until golden brown on all sides. Sprinkle croutons with Parmigiano-Reggiano and allow to melt and get a little crisp. Remove from heat.
Ladle hot soup into bowls, dress with croutons and serve immediately.