Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Heat olive oil or vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes. You want the onions to become soft, golden brown, and caramelized without burning. This step is key to developing the soup’s rich flavor.
Add minced garlic during the last few minutes of cooking the onions, stirring until fragrant.
2. Deglaze with Wine:
If using, pour the dry white wine into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 3-5 minutes until mostly evaporated. This adds complexity to the flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
3. Add the Broth and Herbs:
Stir in the vegetable broth, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Season to Taste:
Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the balance of flavors by adding a little more balsamic vinegar if desired for extra depth and sweetness.
5. Toast the Bread:
While the soup is simmering, toast your baguette slices. You can either use a toaster or broil them in the oven until they are golden and crisp.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted baguette and a generous sprinkle of shredded vegan cheese.
For a classic finish, place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you don’t have oven-safe bowls, simply top the toasted bread with cheese and broil separately, then place them on top of the soup.
Tips for Success
Choose the Right Onions: Yellow onions are the best choice for this recipe due to their natural sweetness, which intensifies as they caramelize. Avoid red onions, as they can be too sharp.
Low and Slow: The key to perfect caramelized onions is cooking them low and slow. Patience is required, but the deep, sweet flavor they develop is worth the wait.
Customize Your Herbs: If you’re not a fan of thyme, feel free to swap it for herbs like rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.
Make It Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread or omit the bread altogether.
Conclusion
This Vegan French Onion Soup is a delicious, plant-based version of the classic comfort food. With its rich caramelized onions, savory broth, and crispy bread topped with melted vegan cheese, this dish is sure to become a favorite for both vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or enjoying a cozy bowl on a chilly evening, this soup delivers all the warmth and flavor of the original without any animal products. So grab your onions and get ready to make a bowl of this comforting, flavor-packed soup!
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