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Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 121 reviews

This Vegan French Onion Soup offers a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic French dish, using caramelized red onions, savory vegetable broth, and optional vegan cheese melted over toasted rustic bread. It’s perfect for a cozy meal that’s entirely plant-based and rich in deep onion flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Sautéed Onions and Base

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 medium-sized red onions, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Soup

  • 5 cups vegetable broth (or equivalent amount of vegan bouillon and water)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Toppings

  • Toasted rustic bread slices or vegan croutons, to taste
  • Vegan cheese, to taste (optional)
  • Sprigs of thyme or other fresh herbs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large soup pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the thinly sliced red onions and stir occasionally every 2-3 minutes for 15 to 20 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized.
  2. Add Vinegar and Herbs: Stir in the balsamic vinegar, bay leaf, and dried oregano, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to develop deeper flavors.
  3. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and bring the soup to a boil. Let it boil for 5 minutes to blend the flavors together.
  4. Prepare Bowls for Broiling: Ladle the hot soup into oven-proof serving bowls. Add a handful of toasted rustic bread slices or vegan croutons on top of each bowl. Sprinkle vegan cheese generously over the bread and some of the soup, ensuring the cheese covers most of the bread but allows the soup to show through.
  5. Broil with Cheese: Place the bowls on a cookie sheet to catch any drips and broil in the oven until the vegan cheese melts and becomes bubbly, about 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh thyme or other herbs if desired, and serve the soup hot for a cozy, delicious meal.

Notes

  • Use red onions for a sweeter, richer flavor compared to yellow onions.
  • If you don’t have an oven, you can melt the vegan cheese under a hot grill or microwave briefly, but broiling provides the best texture and flavor.
  • Vegetable broth can be homemade or store-bought; ensure it’s vegan and low sodium if preferred.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after adding broth according to taste.
  • The optional vegan cheese adds creaminess but can be omitted for a lighter, dairy-free version.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the melted cheese quality and the warmth of the soup.

Keywords: vegan french onion soup, caramelized onion soup, plant-based french soup, vegan comfort food

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/vegan-french-onion-soup-recipe/