I really wanted to make onion soup but really didn’t want to be slaving over a pot of caramelizing onions for an hour or more, so I gave it a try in the crock pot. It turned out fantastic! No need for flour or soup mixes to add body. The flanken really turns this into a hearty soup that’s perfect for a chilly night.

Directions

Prepare the Soup

Turn your crock pot on low and drizzle in olive oil. Place onions in the crock pot and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then cover and let cook for 10–12 hours or overnight. After 10–12 hours, onions should be deeply caramelized and brown.

Stir the onions to ensure none have stuck to the pot, then add in the wine, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, flanken, and chicken stock. Cover and continue to cook on low until the flanken is extremely tender, about six to eight more hours, depending on your crock pot.

Tips:

Don’t want to make this in your crock pot? Sauté the seasoned onions in a large stockpot over medium–low heat instead until very caramelized, about one hour. (If you need some more oil, use vegetable oil, which won’t burn.) Add the herbs and wine and let reduce until almost completely evaporated, then add in flanken and chicken stock. Cook, covered, over medium heat until the flanken is falling off the bone, about two hours.

Notes:

This can be made ahead, then refrigerated for three to four days or frozen for two to three months. Skim the excess fat off the top before reheating.