French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is a timeless classic, rich with caramelized onions, savory broth, and topped with a layer of melted cheese. This vegetarian version retains all the deep flavors and comforting warmth of the original, making it perfect for cozy evenings or a hearty starter.
Table of Contents
- About French Onion Soup
- Why You’ll Love French Onion Soup
- Key Ingredients
- How To Make French Onion Soup
- Have It Your Way!
- Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits
- Health Benefits:
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
- French Onion Soup Recipe
About French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup hails from France, with its roots tracing back to Roman times. However, it became widely popular in its current form in the 18th century. Traditionally made with beef broth, onions, and topped with bread and cheese, it was a dish for the working class, valued for its inexpensive and readily available ingredients.
This vegetarian version of French Onion Soup swaps the beef broth for a rich vegetable broth, while still achieving the deep, umami flavors through slow-cooked caramelized onions. The dish is known for its sweet, savory broth, infused with thyme and bay leaves, and topped with crusty bread and gooey, melted cheese.
French Onion Soup is often associated with French cuisine’s comfort food and bistro culture. It’s a staple in many French restaurants worldwide, enjoyed for its hearty, warming qualities. This vegetarian adaptation makes it accessible to more people, without sacrificing the rich, complex flavors that make it a favorite.
Why You’ll Love French Onion Soup
- Rich and Savory: Deep, caramelized flavors from the onions.
- Comforting and Warming: Perfect for cold days.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: All the flavor without the meat.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to make with pantry staples.
- Versatile: Great as a starter or a main course.
What Is in French Onion Soup
- Yellow Onions: Caramelized to perfection for a sweet, rich flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: A flavorful base for the soup.
- Garlic: Adds depth and complexity.
- Thyme Rosemary and Bay Leaves: Infuse the broth with aromatic flavors.
- Butter: For sautéing the onions.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Crusty Bread: Topped with melted cheese.
- Gruyère Cheese: Traditional, but can be substituted with a vegetarian cheese.
Key Ingredients
- Yellow Onions: The star of the dish, providing a sweet, caramelized flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: A rich and flavorful base.
- Butter and Garlic: Enhance the depth of flavor.
- Thyme and Bay Leaves: Essential for the classic aroma.
- Crusty Bread and Gruyère Cheese: For the iconic topping.
How To Make French Onion Soup
Croutons:
- Slice the bread into 3/4 inch thick slices.
- Brush both sides with olive oil or spray with cooking spray and lightly toast. This helps to prevent bread from getting soggy in the final product.
- Set aside while you make the soup.
French Onion Soup:
- In a large pot over medium high heat, add 4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil along with 8 Cups of radial cut yellow or sweet onions. Stir to coat all the onions with oil. Then add 1/4 cup of water and place a heavy lid to cover for 15 minutes. The steam will evenly heat and soften the onions to expedite the browning process.
- After about 15 minutes, remove the lid. The onions should be softened and begin to brown. Add 2 Tbsp. of butter, and stir to allow it to melt. Continue to brown the onions until all the onions are evenly brown. Then add a mixture of water and 1/2 Tsp of baking soda. The baking soda will alter the pH of the onions and extra sugar from the onions.
- Once the onions are sufficiently caramelized. Add in 1/4 cup of brandy to deglaze the pot. Stir to scrap the fond from the bottom of the pan..
- Then add in the garlic, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, and 1/2 tsp of ground black pepper. Stir to combine for about 30-60 seconds. Then add in 6 Cups of vegetable broth. Cover and bring the mixture to a boil. Then boil for 5 minutes.
- Add 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar and salt to taste. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
- In a soup bowl, ladle in hot soup, place slice of bread of on top, top with shredded gruyere cheese.
- Place the soup bowl with crouton under broiler until cheese is melted. Be careful as the soup will be extremely hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately.
Have It Your Way!
- Vegan Option: Use olive oil instead of butter and a vegan cheese substitute.
- Add Protein: Include white beans or lentils for added protein.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella or a smoked cheese for a unique flavor.
Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits
- Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving
- Protein: 8 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
Health Benefits:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Onions are high in antioxidants, which help protect against inflammation and disease.
- Heart Health: Onions and garlic can support heart health by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
- Digestive Health: High in fiber, this soup promotes healthy digestion.
- Immune Support: Onions and garlic are known for their immune-boosting properties.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- White Bean and Pasta Soup
- Roasted Tomatoes Soup
- Potato and Leek Soup
- Tofu Wonton Soup
- Roasted Tomatoes and Burrata Appetizer
French Onion Soup Recipe
French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is a timeless classic, rich with caramelized onions, savory broth, and topped with a layer of melted cheese. This vegetarian version retains all the deep flavors and comforting warmth of the original, making it perfect for cozy evenings or a hearty starter.
Ingredients
Croutons:
- 1 Rustic French Bread or Baguette 3/4 Inch thick slices
- 1 lb Gruyere Cheese shredded (Swiss or Provolone optional)
- Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
Soup:
- 8 Cups Large Yellow or Sweet Onions radial cut
- 6 Cups Vegetable Broth
- ¼ Cup Water
- 4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Tbsp. Garlic Minced
- 1 Tbsp. Fresh Thyme or few twigs
- 1 Tbsp. Fresh Rosemary or one twig
- 1 Bay Leaf
- ¼ Cup Brandy/Cognac/Sherry
- 1 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
- Salt or to taste
- 1 Tsp Black Pepper ground
- ½ Tsp baking soda + 1 Tbsp water
Instructions
Croutons:
- Slice the bread into 3/4 inch thick slices.
- Brush both sides with olive oil or spray with cooking spray and lightly toast. This helps to prevent bread from getting soggy in the final product.
- Set aside while you make the soup.
French Onion Soup:
- In a large pot over medium high heat, add 4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil along with 8 Cups of radial cut yellow or sweet onions. Stir to coat all the onions with oil. Then add 1/4 cup of water and place a heavy lid to cover for 15 minutes. The steam will evenly heat and soften the onions to expedite the browning process.
- After about 15 minutes, remove the lid. The onions should be softened and begin to brown. Add 2 Tbsp. of butter, and stir to allow it to melt. Continue to brown the onions until all the onions are evenly brown. Then add a mixture of water and 1/2 Tsp of baking soda. The baking soda will alter the pH of the onions and extra sugar from the onions.
- Once the onions are sufficiently caramelized. Add in 1/4 cup of brandy to deglaze the pot. Stir to scrap the fond from the bottom of the pan.
- Then add in the garlic, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, and 1/2 tsp of ground black pepper. Stir to combine for about 30-60 seconds. Then add in 6 Cups of vegetable broth. Cover and bring the mixture to a boil. Then boil for 5 minutes.
- Add 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar and salt to taste. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
- In a soup bowl, ladle in hot soup, place slice of bread of on top, top with shredded gruyere cheese.
- Place the soup bowl with crouton under broiler until cheese is melted. Be careful as the soup will be extremely hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead: Caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a side salad or a hearty sandwich for a complete meal.
- Cheese Alternatives: For a vegetarian-friendly option, ensure the cheese used does not contain animal rennet.
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 450kcal
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Looks delicious….will soon try this
Thank you for your comments. Please let me know if you like it.
It was sooooo delicious 😋
So good.