French onion soup is actually very easy to make, it just takes a long time. You cannot shortcut this recipe. The onions need to be cooked long and slow to get them fully cooked and nicely caramelised.

Few things are as comforting as a bowl of warm, cheesy, deeply flavorful French onion soup on a chilly day. And if you're going to make it, why not turn to the queen of French cooking herself, Julia ...