French onion soup is a timeless dish, known for its rich broth, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese topping. But what if you don’t eat meat? Don’t worry, vegetarians can enjoy this beloved soup too! This vegetarian version is just as satisfying as the original, with the added bonus of being lighter and healthier.

What Makes This Soup Vegetarian?

The traditional French onion soup is made with beef broth. In this vegetarian version, we swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth, which is just as flavorful but without the meat. We also use some additional ingredients to add depth and umami flavor, such as mushrooms, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar.

Key Ingredients for Vegetarian French Onion Soup:

• Onions: The star of the show! Use sweet onions or a mix of yellow and white onions for the best flavor.
• Vegetable broth: Choose a low-sodium broth for the best results. You can also use mushroom broth for an extra earthy flavor.
• Mushrooms: Cremini or portobello mushrooms add depth and umami flavor to the soup.
• Soy sauce or tamari: These add a touch of saltiness and umami.
• Balsamic vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar helps to caramelize the onions and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Garlic and thyme: These herbs add essential aromatics to the soup.
• Bread: Crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, is essential for topping the soup and soaking up the broth.
• Cheese: Gruyere cheese is the classic choice, but you can also use Swiss cheese or a combination of both.

 

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How to Make Vegetarian French Onion Soup:

1. Caramelize the onions: This is the most important step! Slowly cook the onions over low heat until they are deeply golden brown and very soft. This can take up to an hour, but it’s worth the wait for the rich flavor.

2. Sauté the mushrooms: While the onions are caramelizing, sauté the mushrooms in a separate pan until they are soft and browned.

3. Make the broth: Add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and thyme to a pot and bring to a simmer.

4. Combine and simmer: Add the caramelized onions and mushrooms to the broth and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

5. Assemble and bake: Preheat the oven to broil. Place the soup in individual ovenproof bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of bread and grated cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for the Perfect Vegetarian French Onion Soup:

• Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even heat distribution.
• Don’t rush the caramelization process! It takes time for the onions to develop their full flavor.
• If you don’t have mushrooms, you can use another type of umami-rich vegetable, such as carrots or celery.
• For a vegan version, use vegan cheese and broth.
• Serve the soup with a side of salad or crusty bread.

 

Vegetarian French Onion Soup – FAQ’s

1. What makes vegetarian French onion soup different from the original?

The key difference lies in the broth. Traditionally, French onion soup uses beef broth, while the vegetarian version swaps it for veggie broth, packed with flavor and umami without the meat. Sometimes, mushrooms, soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar are added for an extra depth of taste.

2. What kind of vegetables can I use for the broth?

Get creative! Onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and herbs like thyme and bay leaves are all fantastic options. You can even use leftover vegetable scraps for an extra sustainable twist.

3. How do I caramelize the onions perfectly?

Patience is key! Use low heat and cook the onions slowly until they’re deeply golden brown and very soft. This can take around an hour, but trust me, the rich, sweet flavor is worth the wait.

4. Can I skip caramelizing the onions?

Technically, yes, but you’ll miss out on a big part of the soup’s signature flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-caramelized onions from the store, but the homemade ones are undeniably better.

5. What cheeses can I use besides Gruyere?

Gruyere is the classic choice for its nutty, slightly sweet flavor, but feel free to experiment! Swiss, Comté, or even a mix of cheeses work beautifully. For a vegan option, try using a melty plant-based cheese alternative.

6. Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegan broth, cheese alternatives, and crusty bread slices for a completely plant-based version that’s just as satisfying.

7. What can I serve with the soup?

A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect light accompaniment. Crusty bread slices are also a must for sopping up the flavorful broth.

8. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

This soup actually tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and reheat it whenever your comfort food cravings strike.

9. Any tips for storing leftovers?

Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to reheat it gently to avoid scorching the cheese topping.

10. Where can I find more vegetarian French onion soup recipes?

The internet is your oyster! Check out food blogs, recipe websites, and even cookbooks for endless variations and inspiration. With a little creativity, you can customize this classic dish to your own taste buds.