Once the onions are nicely caramelized, this soup goes rather quickly.

Simple French Onion Soup

4 tablespoons butter
4 onions, chopped
4 cups beef broth
4 cups water
8 slices French bread, toasted
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. In a saucepan melt butter; add onions and sauté over medium-low heat until golden brown, about 30 to 45 minutes (don't rush this process, patience has its virtue here). Add broth and water; simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Preheat broiler.
3. Divide soup among 8 oven-safe serving bowls. Float bread on soup, sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese, and place under broiler until brown, 3 to 5 minutes.

Makes 8 servings.