Here’s a delicious recipe for Vegetarian French Onion Soup that captures the rich flavors of the classic dish without using beef broth. This version features caramelized onions, a hearty vegetable broth, and melty cheese on top.

Vegetarian French Onion Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Soup:
• 4 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup dry white wine (or additional broth)
• 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For Serving:
• French baguette or crusty bread, sliced into thick pieces
• Gruyère cheese or a vegan cheese alternative, shredded

Instructions:

Caramelize the Onions:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with salt and sugar. Stir to coat the onions in the oil.
• Cook for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Be patient; this step is crucial for developing flavor.

Add Garlic and Deglaze:

• Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced.

Simmer the Soup:

• Add the vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and pepper to the pot.
• Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Prepare the Bread:

• While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place slices of bread on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.

Assemble and Broil:

• Remove bay leaves from the soup.
• Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted bread and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
• Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

• Carefully remove from the oven (the bowls will be hot!) and let cool slightly before serving.
• Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Tips:

• Make it Vegan: Use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep it completely plant-based.
• Customize: Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or sage for additional flavor.
• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of Vegetarian French Onion Soup as a delightful appetizer or main dish!