Ingredients

50g butter
50g oil
6 brown onions, sliced
1 leek, sliced
6 cloves of garlic chopped
1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
500ml good quality ale, I used Steamer Basin's ‘Plum Brown’ or check out Catlins True Brew ale
1 ltr beef stock
1 ltr chicken stock
100g Cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley (optional)

Vendors

Put the butter, oil, onions, garlic, leek and thyme in a big pot and cook slowly with the lid on until soft
Add the beer and reduce by two thirds, then add the stock and cook for about 2 hrs on a low heat
To finish, put in bowls and garnish with chopped parsley (optional) and cheddar cheese
Alternatively grill the cheese on some good bread and serve on the side