Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe - Elavegan (2024)

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4.94 from 16 votes

This easy vegan French onion soup recipe is hearty, comforting, and very tasty. Caramelized onions, red wine, and fresh thyme add lots of flavors. The soup is topped with the most delicious plant-based cheese baguette!

Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe - Elavegan (1)

Homemade Vegan French Onion Soup

Hello! I am back with another delicious onion recipe! You guys loved my Caramelized Onion Tart so much, therefore, I decided to share this French onion soup recipe with you!

Onions – either you hate them or love them. I LOVE them and enjoy them almost daily. Not only are they very healthy (read further down below for more information), but they also add a very nice flavor to almost all savory dishes. Especially caramelized onions. They are so damn good!

This recipe is not a traditional French onion soup because I added a healthy twist, which you might love as much as I do.

Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe - Elavegan (2)

How To Make Vegan French Onion Soup?

As mentioned before, this is not a classic or original French onion soup because I love to add a healthy and unique twist to all my recipes. Most French onion soups are quite boring in my opinion, therefore, I added red lentils to the soup. I will tell you later why I did it.

Now, let’s see how easy this soup recipe is. Full instructions and measurements are in the recipe card below!

STEP 1: You will need to caramelize the onions first. This step takes quite a while but is very important, as we want the onions nicely caramelized and flavorful. Don’t rush and turn the heat too high because this might burn the onions, and we don’t want that.

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STEP 2: Once the onions are nicely caramelized and soft, you can add the garlic and thyme. I used fresh thyme but feel free to use dry thyme.

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STEP 3:Add the wine and let simmer until reduced almost completely. Also, add the lentils, veggie broth, and bay leaves. If you don’t want to use lentils, you can thicken the soup now with 2 tbsp of flour or cornstarch. Bring the soup to a boil and let it cook on low heat for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

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STEP 4:Meanwhile, slice your favorite bread and pick your favorite vegan cheese. I made my Easy Vegan Cheese Saucewhich takes less than 5 minutes. Toast the bread until nicely brown and add cheese on top once the soup is done.

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STEP 5: Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings. Add more salt/pepper/thyme to taste and also add tamari or soy sauce.

STEP 6: Pour the soup into oven-safe small bowls. Place one to two slices of bread on top of each soup bowl. You can add even more vegan cheese of choice (e.g. vegan mozzarella). Place the bowls under the broiler for a couple of minutes or until the cheese gets bubbly. Serve immediately.

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Why Red Lentils?

Lentils will slightly thicken the soup and furthermore add healthy plant-based protein. They add an interesting touch to this vegan French onion soup and make it even more delicious, in my opinion. If you aren’t a fan of lentils, simply leave them out. You can easily thicken the soup with flour or cornstarch.

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Are Onions Healthy?

Absolutely! Onions are super healthy. They contain lots of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. In this article, I read about 9 incredible health benefits of onions which I want to share with you.

1. Packed With Nutrients

Onions are low in calories yet high in nutrients, including vitamin C, B vitamins and potassium.

2. May Benefit Heart Health

Research shows that eating onions may help reduce heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, elevated triglyceride levels and inflammation.

3. Loaded With Antioxidants

Red onions are rich in anthocyanins, which are powerful plant pigments that may protect against heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes.

4. Contain Cancer-Fighting Compounds

A diet rich in allium vegetables like onions may have a protective effect against certain cancers.

5. Help Control Blood Sugar

Due to the many beneficial compounds found in onions, consuming them may help reduce high blood sugar.

Read the full article to find out what the other impressive health benefits of onions are.

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This Vegan French Onion Soup Is:

  • Plant-based (dairy-free)
  • Gluten-free (if using gluten-free bread)
  • Soy-free
  • Satisfying
  • Comforting
  • Flavorful
  • Perfect for the holidays as an appetizer
  • Healthier than most French onion soups
  • Easy to make

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Should you give this French onion soup a try, please leave a comment and rating below and don’t forget to tag me in your Instagram or Facebook post with @elavegan and #elavegan because I love to see your remake! 🙂

For more savory holiday dishes, check out the following delicious healthy vegan recipes:

  • Caramelized Onion Tart
  • Vegan Green Bean Casserole
  • Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
  • Hearty Vegan Meatloaf
  • Vegan Quiche
  • Vegan Gravy
  • Roasted Cauliflower Steaks (Vegan Schnitzel)

Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe - Elavegan (12)

Vegan French Onion Soup

Author: Michaela Vais

This easy vegan French onion soup recipe is hearty, comforting, and very tasty. Caramelized onions, red wine, and fresh thyme add lots of flavors. The soup is topped with the most delicious plant-based cheese baguette!

4.94 from 16 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Entree, Soup

Cuisine French

Servings 4

Calories 444 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp vegan butter (see notes)
  • 5 medium (1000 g) onions sliced
  • 3-4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) red wine (see notes)
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) red lentils (see notes)
  • 5 cups (1200 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 tsp sea salt or more to taste
  • Black ground pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
  • 1/2 baguette or bread of choice (gluten-free if needed)
  • 6 oz (180 g) vegan cheese of choice

Instructions

  • This recipe has a video for easy visual instructions.

  • Heat vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat and add the onions. Cook on low to medium heat until soft and caramelized, about 40 minutes, stirring every few minutes to avoid burning. After about 20 minutes, add salt and pepper to taste.

  • Once the onions are caramelized and soft, add garlic and thyme and sauté for about 1 minute.

  • Stir in the wine and let simmer for about 5-6 minutes or until the wine is reduced almost completely. Add the lentils (if you don't want to use lentils, you can thicken the soup now with 2 tbsp of flour or cornstarch) and also add the vegetable broth, and bay leaves.

  • Bring the soup to a boil and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.

  • Meanwhile, slice your favorite bread (check my Gluten-Free Bread Recipe) and pick your favorite vegan cheese. I made my Easy Vegan Cheese Sauce.

  • Once the soup is done, carefully remove the bay leaves. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings. Add more salt/pepper/thyme to taste and also add tamari or soy sauce.

  • Preheat the broiler and toast the bread until nicely brown. Add vegan cheese on top.

  • Pour the soup into oven-safe small bowls. Place one to two slices of bread on top of each soup bowl. Place the bowls under the broiler for a couple of minutes or until the cheese gets bubbly.

  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can use vegan margarine or oil (e.g. olive oil) instead of vegan butter.
  • Use a dry red wine. White wine is fine as well. If you don't want to use wine, simply skip it and use 2-3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar instead.
  • I used red lentils to add a healthy twist to this French Onion Soup. Lentils will thicken the soup, and they also add healthy plant-based protein. If you don't want to use lentils, I would suggest thickening the soup with 2 tbsp of flour (or cornstarch).
  • Feel free to add more herbs or spices of choice. I sometimes also add rosemary and red pepper flakes.
  • Recipe serves 4. Nutrition facts are for one serving.

Nutrition Facts

Vegan French Onion Soup

Amount per Serving

Calories

444

% Daily Value*

Fat

15

g

23

%

Saturated Fat

5

g

25

%

Carbohydrates

58

g

19

%

Fiber

12

g

48

%

Sugar

9

g

10

%

Protein

12

g

24

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically

Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe - Elavegan (13) Simple and Delicious Vegan Cookbook by ElaVeganCLICK HERE to order!

If you are using Pinterest, feel free to pin the following photo:

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Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe - Elavegan (2024)

FAQs

How do you deepen the flavor of French onion soup? ›

A few sprigs of thyme and a bay leaf elevate the soup even more, but I take it a step further, adding a splash of fish sauce for complexity and depth—don't worry, it won't taste fishy—and a hit of cider vinegar to balance some of that oniony sweetness.

What is the difference between French onion soup and English onion soup? ›

The two soups are very similar, yet quite different. Both make use of slowly cooked, caramelized onions. However, the French version always uses beef stock, baguette, and Swiss or Gruyere cheese. The English version uses any type of stock (beef, chicken, or vegetable) with any sturdy bread and Cheddar cheese.

Is the French onion soup at Panera vegan? ›

It is important to note that while Panera's French onion soup is vegetarian, it is not vegan. The cheese used in the soup contains dairy, which may not be suitable for individuals following a vegan diet. However, for those who are vegetarian, it is a great option to enjoy a flavorful and hearty soup.

Is French onion soup for the poor? ›

After making its debut in the 18th century, it has become a national treasure. During ancient times (and still today), onions were cheap and easy to grow, and hence, readily available. For the poor, the onion was a savior, with onion soups being popular during the Roman times.

How to doctor up canned French onion soup? ›

Infusing the soup with a richer taste is as easy as quickly sauteing crushed garlic before pouring the soup in. Some soft, buttery garlic sauteed in earthy olive oil is the perfect addition to enrich canned French onion soup.

Why do you put baking soda in French onion soup? ›

The caramelized onions for this soup cook more quickly due to a pinch of baking soda but still have that deep, slow-cooked flavor. Topping the soup with hot, cheesy toasts prepared while the soup simmers, eliminates the need to bake the soup in specialty French onion soup bowls.

Why does French onion soup taste so good? ›

French onion soup is the ultimate comfort food. Onions get slowly cooked until sweet and caramelized, then simmered in rich broth until they're practically falling apart. To finish it off, toasted bread is added to give it that lovable crisp-gone-soggy texture and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese is melted on top.

Why do French people eat French onion soup? ›

The Onion Soup, a traditional and warming dish

It has even become a trendy dish that tourists are eager to try to experience French gastronomy. However, onion soup is in fact not part of French people's daily meals. It was originally meant to be eaten after a family reunion in the middle of the night to cure hangovers

Should French onion soup be thick or thin? ›

Made slightly thicker than most watered down soups because every mouthful NEEDS a slightly thickened texture to compliment the caramelized onions.

Is Panera getting rid of French onion soup? ›

Panera will absolutely be serving longtime guest favorites like sourdough on sandwiches and via its iconic sourdough bread bowl and other longtime favs like French onion soup, broccoli cheddar soup, Toasted Frontega Chicken sandwich, mac & cheese, the kitchen sink cookie and more,” a Panera spokesperson clarified, ...

Is Campbell's French Onion Soup vegan? ›

This product contains 8 ingredients that are not vegan and 5 ingredients that may not be vegan. Which diet do you follow? Follow more than one?

Why is Panera downsizing? ›

In a statement to Restaurant Business News, Panera said they were testing a smaller menu in certain locations in order to provide a “faster and more convenient experience while also simplifying operations for our associates.” This affected around 60-70 restaurants, or less than 3%, of Panera's nationwide locations, but ...

Is French onion soup good for your gut? ›

Onions are a great source of soluble fibre and therefore a good prebiotic; food for the good gut bacteria. Optimal gut health is crucial for weight loss and this delicious soup provides great nutrients to help boost weight loss as part of a weight management programme.

What is the etiquette for eating French onion soup? ›

With such a soup, a knife is your friend, not your enemy. Using both the soup spoon and the knife, push the baked cheese against the rim of the cup or bowl and cut it gently with the knife. Once you've broken the cheese barrier, you can use the knife again to nudge bits of cheese onto the spoon.

Is French onion soup a laxative? ›

The natural way to overcome the problem is to eat foods which have a naturally laxative effect - such as onion soup, pears, plums, bran, linseed oil, green vegetables and minerals - and avoid starchy foods and white flour products. The colon can quite easily be restored to normal functioning within 21-28 days.

How to fix bland French onion soup? ›

Blend the onions into the bland broth. Meanwhile, deeply caramelize more onions. Deglaze the pan of onions with white wine. Add the broth back to the onions and bring to a simmer with several sprigs of fresh thyme.

How do you add depth of flavor to soup? ›

"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says. The choice of ingredient depends on the recipe, though.

How do you make soup taste stronger? ›

Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples

Add a splash of vinegar (any kind!), or a squeeze of citrus. Chances are, you could use a little more salt. Go ahead—it's ok. Salt perks up flat flavors and helps balance out bitter-tasting ingredients.

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