If you’ve been dreaming about roaming the streets of Paris then we might have something to get you into the mood even more! Is there anything more French than onion soup? This classic Vegan French Onion Soup recipe is such a symbol of comfort and French joie de vivre (or the joy of living). Ready to learn the ropes?
Lighter Version of Classic French Onion Soup!
If you’re familiar with the classic recipe then you must be aware it usually contains so much cheese and sometimes even cream. It’s a very heavy soup. But this vegan french onion soup recipe goes back to the roots and puts the onion in the spotlight again. You know, before the dairy cheese took over.
If in your eyes, french onion soup just isn’t complete without the melted cheese on top, don’t worry. You can always add some vegan cheese slices on top and broil it for a minute or two to recreate that more decadent feel.
Budget-Friendly Soup
We are on the constant quest for super easy and money-saving recipes! Along this quest, we have realized that soups are the ultimate budget-friendly food, not to mention time-saving. But wait…you also prepare it in one pot!
This soup, in particular, is so easy and affordable to make. Onions are one of the cheapest vegetables and probably one of the most long-lasting ones too! You can score a big bunch of onions for just a few dollars and they will last for weeks if you store them in a dark and dry cupboard. Onions for the win!
Vegan French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 medium-sized red onions, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 5 cups vegetable broth, or equivalent amount of vegan bouillon and water
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- vegan croutons, to taste
- 4 slices vegan cheese, optional
Instructions
- In a large soup pot over medium heat, add in olive oil, allow to heat, and then add the sliced onions. Allow onions to brown for about 15 to 20 mins, stirring occasionally (every 2-3 minutes).
- Add the balsamic vinegar and bay leaf and dried oregano. Keep stirring and cook for another 5 mins.
- Add the vegetable stock and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it boil for 5 mins.
- Serve and enjoy with some croutons!
Notes
Nutrition
A Healing Vegan Soup
This soup is full of goodness. The light consistency and the veggie broth make it such a great option for those days when we are feeling under the weather. A bit like the typical chicken soup we use to have as children but without the saturated fats and cruelty. A much kinder way to heal and find comfort when we need to recover.
Another amazing way to make this soup even more healthy and nutritious is by adding any veggie you like or have on hand. Some chopped carrots or celery would be great!
Same with the toppings. You can go crazy with toppings! From the classic croutons to some more fancy ones like hemp seeds. But we can’t forget the best topping of all, nutritional yeast! It just makes everything better!
Choose Vegetable Broth or Bouillon!
In any soup recipe that calls for vegetable broth—this one included—you can always use vegetable bouillon and the equivalent amount of water instead. We’re big fans of bouillon because it is often shelf-stable, and it’s packaged without water so it’s a much more eco-friendly alternative to packaged broths (which are usually in tetra packs that aren’t recyclable). There are tons of varieties of vegan bouillon out there that comes in foil-wrapped cubes and little glass containers. Better Than Bouillon is one of our favorite brands!
Nooch Away!
If you are keen on making this recipe taste more cheezy but don’t want to add the heaviness of vegan cream or vegan cheese, then (like we mentioned above) nutritional yeast is your best friend! It will give it a delicious cheesy flavor and add even more nutrients If you wanna score some extra points then get the variety with added Vitamin B12.
So are you as excited as I am to prepare this vegan onion soup? I’m convinced you’ll feel comforted and happier after you’ve eaten it. Enjoy and slurp away! The French way.
Excited To Make More Budget-Friendly Soups? Check Out These!
Vegan French Onion Soup photos and recipe by Zhoro Apostolov for World of Vegan. Recipe and photographs copyright of World of Vegan™, all rights reserved. Please note that this article contains affiliate links, which means shopping through them helps lights on at World of Vegan. Thanks so much, and happy cooking!
Updated on: 11/26/22
You may also like...
Get Our FREE Vegan Shopping List
Whether you love it or hate it, we all have to go grocery shopping, and it can be a little intimidating when you first start eating vegan. Our beginner-friendly shopping list includes all the grocery essentials you'll need make many satisfying vegan meals! You'll also receive a blank shopping list you can customize yourself, plus our weekly e-newsletter with delicious plant-based recipes.
Leave a Comment
Delicious Soup! French onion is one of my faves.
I absolutely love french onion soup, and I haven’t had it in years. This recipe was delicious. I had it without the vegan cheese, but it’s so good with nice tear of sourdough bread for dipping!
I was never a huge fan of this soup until now. There’s something lovely about how simple and satisfying this soup is to eat and to make. The combination of fresh ingredients, herbs and spices makes this classic dish really pleasant and enjoyable. If I was going to add vegan cheese to it, I would probably add a slice from Violife’s cheddar or provolone! Or even Field Roast’s Chao cheese (yummm). An awesome soup to make for chilly nights or when I’m craving a savory lunch!
I can vouch for this super cozy recipe! Delicious! 🙂
I made this and it’s SO delish! I even fed some to my very-not-vegan brother in law and he loved it! It stores great in the fridge for reheated lunches. Yum!
This soup is so delicious and healthy…who needs cheese? Yum