Name: French onion loaf
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: French,Modern Australian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp butter; 80ml olive oil; 2 medium onions,peeled and thinly sliced (about 300g); 2 tsp picked thyme leaves; 1 tsp fine sea salt; ½ tsp caster sugar; 1 tsp red wine or sherry vinegar; 200g plain flour; 1½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp baking soda; 50g wholemeal flour; 70g Gruyere cheese,grated,plus 20g extra; 20g parmesan cheese,finely grated; ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 large eggs; 60g sour cream; 160ml milk; softened butter,to serve

Serve a slice of this caramelised onion and cheese bread with soup or salad.William Meppem

Time:1-2 hoursServes:6

This loaf starts off likeFrench onion soup,with thinly sliced onions cooking in a little butter and olive oil until caramelised. A crusty Gruyere topping furthers the association,while also providing textural contrast to the soft interior of this tasty loaf. Serve warm or at room temperature as a snack or a light lunch alongside soup or a winter salad.

Ingredients

1 tbsp butter
80ml olive oil
2 medium onions,peeled and thinly sliced (about 300g)
2 tsp picked thyme leaves
1 tsp fine sea salt
½ tsp caster sugar
1 tsp red wine or sherry vinegar
200g plain flour
1½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
50g wholemeal flour
70g Gruyere cheese,grated,plus 20g extra
20g parmesan cheese,finely grated
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
60g sour cream
160ml milk
softened butter,to serve

Method

Step1
Line the base and sides of a standard loaf tin (measuring about 20cm x 10cm across the base) with baking paper,leaving an overhang on each of the long sides.
Step2
Put the butter,1 tablespoon of the olive oil,onions,thyme and ½ teaspoon of salt in a large frying pan and place over medium-low heat. Cook,stirring regularly,until the onions soften and begin to caramelise (about 8-10 minutes). Add the sugar and red wine (or sherry vinegar),stirring for a few seconds,then remove from heat. Transfer the onions to a plate and set aside to cool a little.
Step3
Preheat the oven to 175C fan-forced (195C conventional). Sift the plain flour,baking powder,baking soda and remaining ½ teaspoon salt into a large bowl,then add the wholemeal flour,grated cheeses and the black pepper. Stir to combine.
Step4
In another bowl,whisk together the eggs,sour cream,milk and remaining 60ml of olive oil until combined,then pour into the dry ingredients. Fold in the cooled onions.
Step5
Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf tin,then scatter the extra Gruyere cheese on top. Place on the middle shelf of the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle of the loaf comes out clean.