Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Vegetarian French Onion Soup Delight, a meat-free twist on the classic. Featuring rich caramelized onions, a savory broth, and gooey Gruyère-topped bread, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- Yellow onions (or a mix of yellow and red) – 3 lbs (about 6 large)
- Unsalted butter – 4 tbsp
- Kosher salt – 1 ½ tsp, divided
- Dry white wine or dry vermouth – ½ cup
- Unsalted vegetarian beef stock – 8 cups
- Bay leaf – 1
- Ground black pepper – ½ tsp
- Brandy or dry sherry – 2 tbsp
For the Toasted Bread:
- French bread or baguette – 6 slices (1-inch thick)
- Extra-virgin olive oil – 1 ½ tbsp
- Gruyère cheese, grated – 1 ½ cups (about 6 oz)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Onions:
- Halve and peel the onions, then slice each half lengthwise into ¼-inch thick slices.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large Dutch oven or deep pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for about 8 minutes until softened.
- Add ½ teaspoon of salt, reduce the heat to medium-low, and continue cooking for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deep golden brown. Add water as needed to prevent sticking.
3. Deglaze the Pot:
- Increase heat to medium-high and pour in the wine or vermouth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
4. Build the Soup:
- Add vegetable stock, bay leaf, black pepper, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Stir in brandy or sherry and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
5. Prepare the Toasted Bread:
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Brush both sides of bread slices with olive oil and place on a baking sheet.
- Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip, sprinkle Gruyère cheese on top, and toast for another 2-3 minutes until melted.
6. Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle soup into bowls, top with a slice of cheesy bread, and garnish with fresh basil or Parmesan.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and Gruyère with a dairy-free alternative.
- To make the soup alcohol-free, replace wine and brandy with additional vegetable stock.
- Adjust thickness by simmering longer or adding more stock.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French