Recipe(tried): French Onion Soup

This is the one I use although I've deleted the cheese bread on top for you
seeing you won't use it. For health reasons I use salt reduced products but
feel free to use regular ones.

FRENCH ONION SOUP

2tsps olive oil
4 large Spanish(I often use regular) onions, halved & thinly sliced
2 carrots, grated
1tbsp sugar
1/4cup brandy
2tbsps flour
3cups reduced-sodium beef broth, defatted
2cups water
2tbsps no-salt-added tomato paste
1tbsp balsamic vinegar
1tsp dried thyme
1/2tsp freshly ground black pepper

Ina large nonstick pan heat oil till hot but not smoking over medium heat. Add
onions & carrots, sprinkle with sugar & cook stirring frequently till very
tender & lightly browned(about 30mins). Stir in the brandy & cook 1 minute.
Add the flour, stirring to coat. Stir in the broth, water, paste, vinegar,
thyme & pepper & bring to boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover & cook 8-10mins.