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.

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 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.

How to make canned French onion soup better? ›

Adding fresh herbs to your canned French onion soup can elevate its aromatic qualities and add a burst of freshness. Consider adding a sprig of thyme or a few bay leaves while heating your soup. The herbs will infuse their flavors into the soup, enhancing its overall taste and enticing aroma.

What is the best way to thicken French onion soup? ›

The easiest way to thicken your French onion soup is with flour. You can also use cornstarch if you don't have any flour. Remember to never add the flour or cornstarch directly to the soup – otherwise you run the risk of it clumping.

What can I add to my French onion soup to make it taste better? ›

Fresh thyme: always go with fresh thyme sprigs over dried. Worcestershire sauce: the flavors in Worcestershire sauce are a mix of vinegar, garlic, chile, molasses, etc. which act as the French onion soup spices. A tablespoon goes a long way to help bring out the umami flavors.

Why is my French onion soup so bland? ›

If you don't add enough salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices, the soup may taste bland.

Is Panera French Onion 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.

What Progresso soup is vegan? ›

Available in three unique flavors: Hearty Tomato with Spinach and Roasted Garlic, Hearty Corn and Chipotle Chowder, and Hearty Lentil with Garden Vegetables, Good Natured soups are vegan, using different bean bases and vegetable purees to achieve a delicious, hearty and creamy texture, all while not using any dairy ...

Is Campbell's mushroom broth vegan? ›

You can use this broth in vegan recipes. Try it as a soup base for vegan soups.

What is the best wine to use for French onion soup? ›

Wine is optional to deglaze the pan and add flavour to the soup. I recommend a dry white or red wine, such as a good quality Pinot Grigio/Gris, Sauv Blanc, Sémillon, Chardonnay, Merlot or Pinot Noir. Generally, if you can't drink it, don't cook with it.

How do you make French onion soup less bland? ›

Start by reducing the broth. Simmering out some water will intensify the flavor of the broth. Once you get it to the right point, add some salt. A shot of brandy at the end helps too.

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

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.

What can I add to French onion soup that is too sweet? ›

The sweetness can be balanced by adding some dry wine or vinegar. Taste as you go and don't overdo it. A little salt will balance it too, but don't forget that the grated cheese you will top it with is salty.

Why does my French onion soup taste bitter? ›

Burned onions – result in bitter soup. Be careful to not burn the onions/cook them until they are too dark in color – you don't really need to cook them until they are dark brown – golden brown/light brown is enough.

How can I increase the flavor of French onion soup? ›

All you need to do is heat the canned soup and pour it into a bowl, then top it with a slice of toasted bread (a sturdier variety such as French bread). Cover the bread with shredded cheese — gruyere or Swiss cheese if you're going French-style, but for more of an English onion soup, cheddar would be a good choice.

How do vegans thicken soup? ›

How to Thicken a Soup with Pureed Beans or Hummus. Blend 1½ cups cooked beans, lentils, or chickpeas with ½ cup water or broth until completely smooth. Add 2 tablespoons bean puree per 1 cup soup or stew, then stir until fully incorporated.

What's the difference between onion soup and French onion soup? ›

What is the Difference Between Onion Soup and French Onion Soup? French onion soup is always made with beef stock. Other onion soups can be made with chicken, vegetable, or beef stock. Additionally, French onion soup typically contains wine or sherry, which isn't typical or necessary in other onion soups.

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.

How do I make my French onion soup darker? ›

The caramelized onions are what give the soup its rich dark flavor and color, so don't skimp! Use a good quality beef broth. We use Better Than Bouillon to make our beef broth because it's extremely flavorful and contains a decent amount of salt, which seasons the soup well.

References

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