For 4-5 people you need

1 1/2 lb. onions 2 oz. butter OR 1 oz.butter and 1 tablespoon oil 1 1/2 pints beef stock OR water and 2-3 beef stock cubes seasoning Peel onions under water if possible to prevent them making you 'cry' If a small piece of bread is put into the soup while cooking, then taken out, it does prevent much of the onion soup smell pervading the kitchen
  1. Peel and slice the onions thinly.
  2. Heat butter or butter and oil, fry the onions until just golden but not too dark it will take nearly 30 minutes so care must be taken they do not burn.
  3. Keep pan covered and stir from time to time.
  4. Add the stock and simmer for the rest of the cooking time, season. TO SERVE: With crisp French bread;