This vegan French onion soup is a plant-based take on the classic, featuring rich caramelized onions, a savory broth, and crusty bread topped with melty vegan cheese. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 slices of crusty baguette or sourdough bread
- 1 cup shredded vegan mozzarella or Gruyère-style cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat olive oil or vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them in the oil.
- Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Add a splash of water if they start to stick.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar and sugar (if using) during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
- Add the vegetable broth, white wine (if using), soy sauce, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot with the caramelized onions.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
- Preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes per side until golden.
- Sprinkle the toasted bread with vegan cheese and return to the broiler for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Top each bowl with a slice of the cheesy bread.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Vegan French Onion Soup
- Low and Slow: Caramelizing onions takes time. Be patient to achieve the best flavor.
- Cheese Options: Use your favorite vegan cheese that melts well, like mozzarella or a Gruyère alternative.
- No Wine?: Substitute with an extra cup of broth and a squeeze of lemon for acidity.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
This vegan French onion soup is a satisfying, plant-based twist on a beloved classic. Perfect for warming up on chilly evenings!