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Walla Walla Onion Soup

Although Walla Walla, Washington, is home to more than sixty wineries, it is also famous for the Walla Walla onion—a big sweetie similar to a Vidalia or a Maui onion. Legend has it that a French soldier found the seeds of a large, sweet onion on the island of Corsica and brought it to Walla Walla. The onion owes its yummy flavor to a high water and low sulfur content, and makes the sweetest of onion soups. For an extra treat, top the soup with a crouton of French bread covered with melted Gruyère cheese.

Cooks' Note

Suggested Beverage: A Washington state microbrew or a medium- to full-bodied red wine from the Walla Walla Valley.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

4 pounds Walla Walla or any large, sweet onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons quick-mixing flour (such as Wondra)
1 cup dry red or white wine
5 cups beef stock (page 91) or water
2 tablespoons port
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine the onions and butter in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour, then decrease the heat to low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 hours, until the onions are evenly browned. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well. Add the wine and stock and cook on low for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in the port and season to taste with salt and pepper.

    Step 2

    Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with the parsley, and serve at once.

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