One of my favorite soups that I can never get enough of is a healthy French onion soup recipe. This classic dish is traditionally made with beef stock and topped with melted cheese on a crusty baguette. However, with a few tweaks, I’ve adapted my homemade French onion soup recipe to make it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing any of the delicious flavors.
Substituting Beef Stock for Vegetable Stock
To make a vegetarian version of French Onion Soup, you can substitute the beef stock with vegetable stock (or vegetable broth). Vegetable stock is a flavorful and savory alternative that will still give your soup a rich taste. You can find vegetable stock at most grocery stores, or you can even make your own by simmering vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery in water.
Caramelize the Onions
Another key ingredient in French Onion Soup is the caramelized onions. Caramelizing onions brings out their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor to the soup. To caramelize the onions, thinly slice sweet onions, such as Vidalia (which are sweet, yellow onions), and red, or white onions, and cook them slowly in a large Dutch oven with some olive oil or butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the onions become soft and golden brown, which can take around 15–40 minutes.
Once your onions are caramelized to a golden brown, you can add the vegetable stock to the pot and let the soup simmer for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld together to make a delicious, savory broth. You can also add some herbs, like fresh thyme or bay leaves, to enhance the taste of the soup. For an extra touch of richness, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar.
Opt Out of Cheese
Now, let’s talk about the cheesy topping. Traditionally, French onion soup is topped with melted cheese on a crusty baguette. I opt out of cheese in my recipe, but if you want to include it, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, provolone, or gruyere cheese. Simply place a slice or a generous amount of grated cheese on top of each oven-proof bowl of soup and broil it in the oven on a baking sheet until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Serve with a Baguette
To serve, place a slice of crusty baguette or French bread on top of each bowl of soup. The bread will soak up the flavorful broth and become deliciously soft. For added crunch, you can lightly toast the baguette slices beforehand. French onion soup pairs well with a side salad or enjoy it on its own as a satisfying meal.
This vegetarian version of the classic French onion soup is a perfect choice for home cooks seeking a quick and easy soup recipe that is both healthy and delicious. With its flavorful, rich broth and sweet caramelized onions, this soup is sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is a winner. So grab a bowl, cozy up, and enjoy the deliciousness of this vegetarian-friendly French onion soup!
Healthy French Onion Soup
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- 7 Vidalia onions peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 (32 oz.) boxes vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to season
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the oil. Add the onions, sautéing on medium-high heat for about 15-20 minutes. Allow the onions to fully soften and break down.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and let cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, mixing to incorporate.
- Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer, and cover with a tight fitting lid.
- Let cook for an hour (or even two if you have time to deepen the flavors even more!)
- Serve in soup bowls with slices of bread, and enjoy!
The Best Healthy French Onion Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. oil
- 7 Vidalia onions peeled halved, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 32 oz. boxes vegetable stock
- 1 tsp. oregano
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to season
Instructions
- In a large pot heat the oil. Add the onions sautéing on medium-high heat for about 15-20 minutes. Allow the the onions to fully soften and break down.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and let cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, mixing to incorporate.
- Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer, and cover with a tight fitting lid.
- Let cook for an hour (or even two if you have time to deepen the flavors even more!)
- Serve in soup bowls with slices of bread and enjoy!
