Umami Caramelized Onions

I have always loved onions. I love everything about them. Caramelized onions are a special treat that can raise the roof of something as simple as a pizza or sandwich. To me, caramelized onions are the vegetarian equivalent of the smoked brisket of the BBQ world... Slow cooking at its finest.

I make these in large batches. They freeze great in little mounds that I then keep in the freezer inside a Zip-Lock bag, and thaw as needed.

This recipe is suitable for a 6-quart slow cooker. Before cooking, the ingredients will fill up the slow cooker completely. The mixture should reduce by 2/3 or so by the time the onions are cooked.

Umami Caramelized Onions

10 large onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons canola oil
salt and pepper to taste

Combine onions, water, soy sauce, and canola oil in slow cooker insert. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring every 4-6 hours, until onions are dark brown. Season with salt and pepper, cool, and store.