Slow-cooker Onion Soup

Total Time: 7 hrs 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 7 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 3 jumbo yellow onions, peeled, halved and sliced into thin wedges
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
• 6 cups beef broth
• 2 -3 tablespoons dry sherry or 2 -3 tablespoons cognac, optional but very nice
• 2 teaspoons salt, as needed
• 6 thick slices crusty french bread
• 1 1/2 cups loosely packed shredded gruyere cheese

Recipe

• 1 put onions in the slow cooker; set on high. stir in the butter and olive oil to coat.
• 2 slow-cook for 5-6 hours, stirring occasionally, until deep brown. careful not to burn.
• 3 stir in the flour, cook 1 minute. add broth, sherry and salt. adjust seasonings and cook in the slow cooker for 1 hour. to intensify the flavors: prop the lid open a little (i stick a toothpick in between the pot & lid) to let some of the steam out and reduce the liquid. this will concentrate the flavor. the longer you let is simmer, the better it will. i let my soup simmer for 3 hours. yum, it was rich and flavorful.
• 4 30 minutes before serving: preheat oven to 450°. toast the sliced bread on a baking sheet for 3-4 minutes, flip and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes for a drier crouton. bake until crusty. ladle soup into oven proof bowl. top with toasted bread slice; sprinkle with cheese. bake until the cheese has melted, 4-5 minutes.