There’s just something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, don’t you think? Especially when it’s packed with flavor and nostalgia. This vegan French onion soup is my go-to when I need a cozy night in or I want to impress friends with a rich, hearty dish that hugs you from the inside out. I remember the first time I made this recipe; I was skeptical about how it could be just as delicious without the traditional ingredients, but trust me, this version shines! With its caramelized onions and aromatic broth, you won’t even miss the dairy.
Ingredients for Vegan French Onion Soup
To whip up this cozy vegan French onion soup, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced — these are the star of the show!
- 4 tablespoons olive oil — for that perfect sauté.
- 4 cups vegetable broth — the foundation of our rich soup.
- 1 cup dry white wine — adds depth and a lovely aroma.
- 2 teaspoons thyme — fresh or dried will do just fine!
- 1 bay leaf — for an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt to taste — essential for bringing out all those delicious flavors.
- Black pepper to taste — just the right kick!
- Baguette slices — for that classic topping.
- Vegan cheese (optional) — if you want to elevate your soup to cheesy perfection!
How to Prepare Vegan French Onion Soup
Now, let’s dive into the heart of making this scrumptious vegan French onion soup. It’s all about those beautifully caramelized onions, so get ready for some delicious magic!
- First, grab a large pot and heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, but not too hot—just right for sautéing.
- Next, toss in your thinly sliced onions. Stir them around to coat them in that lovely olive oil. Here’s the key: let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they’re caramelized. This will take about 30 minutes, so be patient! You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and smell heavenly.
- Once your onions are perfectly caramelized, pour in the dry white wine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.
- Now, add in the vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything, then bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 20 minutes—this is where all those flavors come together!
- While your soup is simmering, toast the baguette slices until they’re crispy and golden. This will provide the perfect topping!
- Finally, serve your soup hot, topped with the toasted baguette and a sprinkle of vegan cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly nights.
- Rich, savory flavors that will impress everyone—vegan or not!
- Easy to prepare with just a few simple steps.
- Comforting and nostalgic, reminiscent of classic French onion soup.
- Flexible for customization—add your favorite herbs or toppings.
- Great for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
Tips for Success
To make sure your vegan French onion soup turns out perfectly, here are my top tips! First, be patient when caramelizing your onions; low and slow is the way to go for that deep, rich flavor. Don’t rush it! Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to your liking—everyone’s palate is different! For the bread, a crusty baguette works wonders, but feel free to try sourdough for a tangy twist. And if you’re using vegan cheese, go for a brand that melts well for that gooey finish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about making vegan French onion soup? No worries, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use yellow onions instead of white?
Absolutely! Yellow onions work beautifully and give you that classic sweet flavor.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with an extra cup of vegetable broth and a splash of vinegar for acid.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop for the best flavor!
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, just make sure to leave out the bread and any vegan cheese before freezing. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this hearty vegan French onion soup is packed with goodness! Here’s a quick rundown of the estimated nutritional values per cup:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. So, feel free to adjust according to your dietary needs!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious vegan French onion soup is super easy! Just pour any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep that lovely texture. If you find the soup a bit thick, just add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen it up. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good, if not better!
Serving Suggestions
This vegan French onion soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a few simple sides! I love serving it alongside a fresh, crisp salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. You could also whip up some garlic bread or a savory herb focaccia for dipping—yum! And if you’re feeling adventurous, a side of roasted veggies adds a colorful touch and makes for a hearty meal. Enjoy the cozy vibes!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For more information on the health benefits of onions, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Vegan French Onion Soup: 5 Comforting Ingredients You Need
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty and flavorful vegan version of classic French onion soup.
Ingredients
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Baguette slices
- Vegan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 30 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Toast baguette slices.
- Serve soup hot, topped with baguette and vegan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use aged balsamic vinegar.
- Adjust seasoning as per your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan french onion soup