Gather together all of the ingredients and such so you have it all ready to go. slice the onions thinly, and grate or slice the cheese.
Turn on the Sauté function and choose the Normal or Low setting (not More or High). When display reads “Hot” add the butter.
3 Tablespoons Butter
Add the onions and baking soda. Stir to coat onions with the butter.
2 large Yellow Onions,, 3 medium Sweet Onions,, ⅛ teaspoon Baking Soda*
Stir occasionally, while letting the onions cook for about 10 to 25 minutes. You might have to restart the Sauté function as it times out at 30 minutes on the IP.
Keep checking back and stirring the mixture, scraping the bottom of the pot. As long as you check in on them and stir every few minutes, they should be fine, and not burn. Patience!
Cook until the onions turn brown. It can take up to 25 minutes, but it is important. The caramelization is key to the flavor of this soup!
When the onions are nicely browned and caramelized, add the thyme, bay leaf, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir.
3 sprigs Fresh Thyme, 2 Bay Leaves, 2 cloves Garlic,, ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt, ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
Then add the brandy, Worcestershire sauce and butter. Cook about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot again and get up all of the browned bits.
½ cup Brandy, 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
Stir in the beef broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4 cups Beef Broth**
Place the lid on the pot and set the Steam Release Knob to the Sealing position.
Cancel the Sauté function.
Press the Pressure Cook (or Manual) Button. Set time to 5 minutes using the +/- buttons, or dial. High Pressure.
When cook cycle ends, let the pot sit undisturbed to naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes. Then manually release the remaining pressure by turning the knob (or push button) to Venting position.
You can toast the bread at this point, then set it aside.
4-6 thick French Bread Slices,
When the pin in the lid drops down, open and carefully stir the soup.
Remove the bay leaf and the thyme stems and discard.
Turn on the broiler to 450°F. Put oven rack about ⅔ the way from the bottom of the oven (second slot down on mine).
Dish up the soup into oven safe bowls and place the bowls on a baking sheet.
Place a slice of toasted French bread on top of each bowl.
Lay 1 slice of the cheese over each of the toasted bread slices.
4-6 slices Gruyère Cheese