This French onion soup is a deceptively simple recipe in which a handful of good ingredients create great results.

If cooking for vegetarians, the beef stock in this French onion soup could be substituted for mushroom stock. If you don't have Madeira, you can use dry sherry, white vermouth or just leave it out.

Recipes for French onion soup aren't always helpful in determining how to best cut the onions, with most just saying 'thinly' ...

Add the onion and fry over high heat for few minutes ... check the seasoning and serve in hot bowls with the cheese croûtes on top. The soup can be made up to 4 days ahead, and it freezes ...

Traditionally prepared with Gruyère cheese, you can swap in a blend of cheeses to give your next French onion soup the utmost ...

French onion soup is one of the most popular onion dishes in the world. However, the soup originated in Lyon and should be correctly known as Soupe L'oignon la Lyonnaise as it is in France.