Vegan French Onion Soup

Ingredients

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon vegan butter

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for faster caramelising)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon flour

• ½ cup dry white wine (or extra vegetable stock)

• 6 cups rich vegetable stock

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

Topping

• 4 slices baguette, toasted

• 1–1½ cups shredded vegan mozzarella or melting vegan cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped

 Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and vegan butter in a heavy pot over medium-low heat.

2. Add onions and cook slowly for 30–40 minutes, stirring often, until dark golden and sticky. Add sugar if using.

3. Stir in garlic and flour. Cook for 1 minute.

4. Deglaze with white wine, scraping all browned bits from the bottom.

5. Pour in vegetable stock, soy sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper.

6. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove bay leaf.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Cheesy Top

8. Preheat oven grill (broiler).

9. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.

10. Place toasted baguette on top and cover with vegan cheese.

11. Grill until cheese is melted and lightly golden.

12. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Benefits

• 100% dairy-free and cholesterol-free

• Supports gut health with prebiotic onions

• Rich in antioxidants and minerals

• Comforting but light on digestion

 Tips

• Low heat is essential for true onion caramelisation.

• For extra depth, add 1 teaspoon miso paste with the broth.

• Store refrigerated up to 3 days.

Short History

French onion soup dates back to Roman times but became famous in Parisian markets in the 18th century as an affordable meal for workers.

Expanded Background

Traditional French onion soup relied heavily on beef stock and Gruyère cheese. This vegan adaptation respects the classic technique of long-cooked onions while replacing animal ingredients with vegetable stock, soy sauce and melting plant-based cheese. The result is the same deep flavour and comforting texture, aligned with modern plant-based lifestyles and ethical eating trends.