Vegetarian French Onion Soup
A Classic Comforting Soup Recipe Made Vegan and Vegetarian
French onion soup is traditionally made with beef broth and slow-cooked onions then topped with French bread and cheese. Vegan and vegetarian versions are just as good.
Some recipes are classics, like traditional French Onion Soup. Traditional recipes are made with beef broth or stock, meaning French Onion Soup is generally off-limits for the vegetarian and vegan populations. Well, pine no more for this ooey-gooey masterpiece that will warm you from head to toe.
Sauteeing the onions long enough to get them carmelized and sweet takes time - at least 45 minutes. The good news is you can be doing other things during that time, as very little attention is required.
French Onion Soup Recipe
With Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Each recipe serves four.
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. non-dairy margarine
- 5 small onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 1/2 tbsp. flour, optional
- 6 cups vegetable broth*
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. vegan Worcestershire sauce (most contain anchovies; read closely) OR 1 tsp. soy sauce
- 4 slices day-old French or multi-grain baguette
Vegetarian option:Cut four thin slices Swiss cheese
Vegan option: Mix 1-2 tbsp. tahini (sesame seed paste) with 1 tbsp. light miso
* this is the perfect time to check out the new vegetarian/vegan bouillon options at the grocery store and specialty food stores. This soup recipe was tested using a simulated beef-flavoured broth, producing a lovely dark brown colour with a rich flavour. Read the ingredients carefully for animal by-products, but there are some excellent vegan options to be found.
Directions:
- Heat oil and margarine in a large non-stick pan or soup pot. If your pan is not non-stick, add two tablespoons oil with the margarine.
- Chop onions and add to the pan. Stir well to coat onions.
- Sauté over medium heat, stirring often for about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and stir well; simmer an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Turn heat down to lowest setting; cover pan with lid and allow to cook for 45 to 60 minutes. Check occasionaly to ensure onions are not sticking or burning.
- If using flour, stir it in and cook 3-4 minutes.
- Add broth, sugar, and worcestershire/soy sauce. Heat through.
- Preheat broiler.
- Pour soup into individual French onion soup bowls. Top each with a slice of bread with a cheese slice (vegetarian) or spread the bread with a dollap of tahini/miso mixture (vegan).
- Broil in the oven until topping is golden. Keep a close eye out for burning; this should not take more than 5 minutes.
Serve with a simple salad and perhaps Chocolate Tofu Mousse for dessert.
