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!

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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.

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.

Is Campbell's French onion soup vegan? ›

No. This product is not vegan as it lists 8 ingredients that derive from animals and 3 ingredients that could derive from animals depending on the source.

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

The easiest way to thicken your French onion soup is with flour.

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 add flour to French onion soup? ›

Onion soup, at its very essence, is nothing more than onions and water boiled together. Period, done, finished, everything added from that point on is pure opinion. Caramelizing the onions brings out sugars, and makes a more luxurious silky and sweet soup, adding flour gently thickens and provides body.

How brown should onions be for French onion soup? ›

The key to good French onion soup is to cook the onions so long that they threaten to melt into a viscous, dark brown paste, à la Marmite.

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 do you put lemon juice in soup? ›

In this case, however, the lemon provides more of a flavor undertone that enhances other seasonings like thyme, parsley, and turmeric. According to trained chef Leetal Arazi, who spoke with Real Simple, you can bring a "zesty flavor" to your soup simply by adding lemon.

Is Panera French Onion vegan? ›

The soup is made with a savory vegetarian broth, caramelized onions, and topped with a blend of Gruyere and Parmesan cheese. The soup is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a deliciously satisfying dish. It is important to note that while Panera's French onion soup is vegetarian, it is not vegan.

What canned soup is vegan? ›

Gardein. Gardein products are serious vegan staples and these plant-based soups are no exception. The brand offers six soup varieties, including Chick'n Noodl', Minestrone & Saus'ge, and Be'f & Vegetable, along with two cruelty-free canned chilis to eat and cook with.

Is French onion soup good for you? ›

Well, you'll be pleased to know that french onion soup is, in fact, a highly nutritious choice. Onions, as part of the Allium family, contain Quercetin which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and should not be overlooked as a vegetable when considering your daily 7-a-day.

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.

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.

What if I put too much vinegar in my French onion soup? ›

One option is to balance the acidity by adding a sweet ingredient such as sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Another method is to dilute the soup by adding more broth or water. You can also try adding creamy ingredients like coconut milk or dairy products to help mellow out the vinegar flavor.

What to do if French onion soup is too sweet? ›

If the soup is too sweet, add some vinegar. If you would like a little more depth, add a splash of red wine. I like the onion-to-liquid ratio with 6 cups of water. But if you'd prefer a slightly more delicate soup, add an additional 1 cup/240 milliliters water or to taste.

How do you get the depth of flavor in vegetable soup? ›

Tips for Flavorful Vegetable Soup

Flavor the base: We add Italian seasoning and tomato paste to the aromatics and warm them up to bring the seasonings back to life. You could use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even add a Parmesan rind for more flavor.

How do you get the depth of Flavour in vegetable soup? ›

A squeeze of citrus, a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of cream, a dusting of cheese or a good chile powder, a sprinkling of some herbs or croutons — all can take a perfectly fine soup into the realm of the delectable. Even a spiral of good olive oil to finish and some coarse sea salt can do wonders.

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