The Promised Onion Soup Recipe

As promised, I will now share with you that recipe for onion soup which Sir Peter Ustinov enjoyed so much. This recipe originally belonged to my mother-in-law, who came from France and claimed that this was the simplest and easiest way to make onion soup. She never heard of putting wine or brandy, etc. inside the broth. However, do not think that it is too simple. It is authentic.

Onion Soup

(Serves 6)

 

Incredients

1. 3 large sliced onions
2. 30 gms butter
3. 1 litre water
4. salt & pepper
5. 3 dessert spoons grated Parmesan cheese
6. 1 cube vegetable stock (the original recipe excluded veg cube)
7. few slices of french loaf or rounds of white bread.

Method

1. Gently fry onions in butter for about 10 minutes.
2. Add a good pinch of salt & a little less pepper.
3. Boil water & add to onions.
4. Add veg cube & stir well.
5. Cook over low heat for about 40 - 45 minutes. Check seasoning, add more if necessary.
6. Add grated parmesan, and allow to cook for 2 - 3 minutes to melt cheese.
7. Serve in round bowls, place a slice of french loaf or round of bread on top & gently cover with a little soup (don't drown the bread!)

Bon appetit!!

 

Freda



 





Sir Peter Ustinov & Onion Soup



I think we all have at some time during our lives thought of who we would love to have at a dinner party. At a very young age I fantasized about hosting Winston Churchill and Peter Ustinov at such a dinner event, and never believed that this might happen. I thought Winston Churchill was a great statesman, a remarkable orator, a brilliant man and slightly naughty. After all, he had one too many cigars, and few too many whiskeys! The idea appealed to me.

Peter Ustinov had the most brilliant sense of humour, the most brilliant repartee, and was a most brilliant actor, with also that tinge of naughtiness in his eyes, but, as said, never in my wildest dreams did I believe that I might some day welcome either one of them at my dinner table.

However, a few years back I received a phone call requesting me to make a booking for a mister Ustinov. I took the booking without thinking any more about who this individual might be. Lo and behold a few days later in walked Sir Peter Ustinov with his wife Lady Helene Ustinov. I was all but bowled over, but managed to retain my composure and showed them to their table.

I found Peter Ustinov was everything I ever dreamed he could be. He was the most gracious, I dare say, humble and friendly human being. He spoke with every waiter, and told me in conversation that he spoke eight different languages fluently. Close to their table there happened to be German speaking people, and he conversed with them in German. I cannot say it enough times that he was absolutely wonderful, as was his wife who was exceedingly gracious, very down to earth, spoke English beautifully, switched into French and whatever languages they could speak. They treated the restaurant staff as equals, and not at any time looked down on the waiter who was serving them.

By the end of the meal he called me back to the table. My legs were quivering as he held my hand and said "I must tell you my dear, this is the best onion soup I have ever tasted, and I have had onion soup in many locales." I was extremely flattered, and he continued "may I kiss you?" and he kissed my hand as gently as a gentleman should kiss a lady's hand.

The onion soup recipe will follow on Monday!!

Freda