Crock Pot Onion Confit
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 hours
Total Time: 18 hours 15 minutes
Category: Spreads
Keywords: onions, vegetable, easy
Onion confit is one of those deliciously versatile recipes that is worth the time and patience. With the help of your trusty crock pot, you can achieve perfectly caramelized, jam-like onions that can be used in a variety of dishes. From pizza toppings to a sandwich spread, or even as a quick base for French onion soup, this onion confit will elevate any meal. The slow-cooking process works wonders, transforming the onions into a dark, reduced, and almost gelatinous texture.
However, there’s one crucial note: avoid using fresh, sweet onions for this recipe. Their high water content will prevent the confit from developing the rich, concentrated flavor you’re after. It’s essential to let the onions cook for a long period of time in the crock pot to achieve that perfect, deep flavor and silky texture.
Ready to get started? Here’s your guide to making the best crock pot onion confit.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Demi-glace (or reduced stock) | 3 tbsp |
| Sherry wine | 3 tbsp |
| Port wine | 7-9 tbsp |
| Onions, thinly sliced | 2-3 large |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp |
| Brown sugar | 1 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per batch)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1519.8 kcal |
| Fat | 101.1 g |
| Saturated fat | 37 g |
| Cholesterol | 122 mg |
| Sodium | 51.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 114.1 g |
| Fiber | 15.8 g |
| Sugars | 46.8 g |
| Protein | 10.6 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the demi-glace: If you don’t have pre-made demi-glace on hand, don’t worry. Simply take 2 cups of good-quality stock (preferably beef or vegetable) and reduce it on the stove until it thickens down to about 1/2 cup. This step adds that rich, concentrated flavor that’s key for this confit.
-
Combine ingredients: In the crock pot, place all the ingredients – unsalted butter, extra virgin olive oil, demi-glace, sherry wine, port wine, thinly sliced onions, bay leaves, dried thyme, and brown sugar. Stir everything together to ensure the onions are well-coated with the flavorful liquids.
-
Start cooking on high: Set your crock pot to high heat and let it cook for the first 8 hours of the process, which is just enough time to get the caramelization started. Don’t forget to stir it occasionally to make sure the ingredients are blending nicely.
-
Reduce heat for overnight cooking: Once you’re nearing bedtime, turn the crock pot down to low heat, and let it simmer overnight. This slow cooking process is what allows the onions to break down and develop that rich, concentrated flavor.
-
Morning check: The next morning, stir the confit and taste for seasoning. If the mixture looks too watery, you can leave the lid off for a while to let some of the excess moisture cook off. Then, turn the heat back to high to finish cooking.
-
Final consistency: Your confit is done when the onions have significantly reduced, become dark, and take on a thick, syrupy consistency. You should be able to easily scrape the mixture with a spoon, and it should have a deep, savory-sweet flavor.
-
Storage: Once the confit has finished cooking, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for at least two weeks.
Tips for Success
-
Onions: Make sure to use hearty, medium-sized onions. Yellow onions work best as they provide a sweet and savory flavor when caramelized. Avoid sweet onions, as they have too much water and may not achieve the same depth of flavor.
-
Consistency: The longer you cook the onions, the more reduced and jam-like they will become. If you find that the mixture is still watery, just leave the lid off for a bit and allow the excess moisture to evaporate.
-
Flavor Variations: You can experiment by adding other herbs and spices such as rosemary or bay leaves for different flavor profiles. The combination of sherry and port wine gives a sweet complexity, but you can also try different wines or vinegar for a more tangy result.
How to Use Onion Confit
Once you’ve made your batch of crock pot onion confit, the possibilities are endless:
-
Pizza Topping: Spread a generous amount of confit on your pizza dough before adding other toppings. It adds a deep, savory sweetness that will complement cheeses and meats perfectly.
-
Sandwich Spread: Use it as a rich spread on sandwiches or wraps. Pair it with roast beef, turkey, or even grilled vegetables for a delicious, gourmet touch.
-
French Onion Soup: If you’re in the mood for a comforting French onion soup, this confit makes an excellent base. Simply add it to your broth and let the flavors meld for a quick, flavorful soup.
-
Appetizer: Serve it on thinly-sliced baguette with a touch of goat cheese or fresh herbs. It’s perfect for a simple yet elegant appetizer.
Final Thoughts
This slow-cooked onion confit is a wonderful addition to your repertoire of homemade spreads and condiments. The beauty of using a crock pot is that it does most of the work for you, allowing the onions to slowly release their sweetness and develop a rich, umami-packed flavor. Whether you’re using it on a pizza, as a spread, or as a component in a main dish like French onion soup, this confit is sure to impress. Enjoy the process and the rich results!
