Savory Vegetarian Caramelized Onion Soup
Experience the rich, savory depth of this Vegetarian Caramelized Onion Soup, masterfully crafted to highlight the bold flavors of traditional French onion soup without the use of meat. By slowly caramelizing the onions, we develop their natural sweetness, while deglazing with crisp white wine adds a hint of acidity. With the addition of aromatic spices and a rich vegetable broth, this soup is a comforting bowl of goodness. Top it with melted cheese or a vegan alternative for an indulgent finish, perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a starter or a main dish, this soup will warm your heart and delight your taste buds.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
White onions
4 medium (thinly sliced into half-moon shapes)
Canola oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
Salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
White wine
1/4 cup (for deglazing)
Vegetable broth
1 quart (for the soup base)
Gravy Master
1 teaspoon (optional, for added depth of flavor)
Minced garlic
1 teaspoon (to enhance flavor)
Dried bay leaves
10 (for infusion of flavor)
Instructions
1
Begin by thinly slicing the onions into half-moon shapes, allowing their natural sweetness to develop during cooking.
2
In an 8-quart pot, heat the canola oil over medium heat until shimmering.
3
Once hot, add the sliced onions to the pot and stir to coat them evenly with the oil.
4
Sprinkle the onions with salt, ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to enhance flavor.
5
Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until they are beautifully caramelized and golden brown.
6
Deglaze the pot by adding the white wine, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
7
If the onions begin to stick, add 1/4 cup of water at a time to prevent burning.
8
After cooking the onions for a total of 30 minutes, pour in the vegetable broth, Gravy Master (if using), minced garlic, and dried bay leaves.
9
Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer on medium-low for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
10
Serve hot topped with toasted bread and your choice of cheese or cheese alternative, and savor the comforting flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Vegetarian Caramelized Onion Soup?
It is a vegetarian-friendly version of traditional French onion soup that uses vegetable broth and slowly caramelized onions for a deep, savory flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the base recipe is vegan. To keep it vegan, simply use a vegan cheese alternative for the topping.
How many onions do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 medium white onions.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be thinly sliced into half-moon shapes to allow for even caramelization.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of canola oil.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
It takes approximately 20 minutes of cooking and stirring occasionally to reach a golden brown color.
What is the purpose of white wine in this soup?
White wine is used to deglaze the pot, which helps scrape up flavorful bits from the bottom and adds acidity.
Can I substitute the white wine?
Yes, you can use a splash of water or extra vegetable broth if you prefer not to use alcohol.
What should I do if the onions start to stick to the pot?
Add 1/4 cup of water at a time to the pot to prevent the onions from burning.
What is Gravy Master and is it necessary?
Gravy Master is a browning and seasoning sauce. It is optional but adds extra depth of flavor and color.
How much vegetable broth is required?
You will need 1 quart of vegetable broth.
Why are there 10 bay leaves in the recipe?
The high number of dried bay leaves is used to provide a rich herbal infusion to the broth.
Should I remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, it is standard practice to remove bay leaves before eating the soup.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What are the recommended toppings for this soup?
The soup is traditionally served hot topped with toasted bread and your choice of cheese or a cheese alternative.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains an optional 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What size pot should I use?
An 8-quart pot is recommended to allow enough space for the onions and broth.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
The soup base itself is naturally gluten-free if the broth and Gravy Master are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free bread for the topping if needed.
Can I use red onions instead of white?
Yes, but white onions are preferred for their specific sweetness and classic color in French-style soups.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
What is the total cooking time?
Total cooking time is roughly 50 to 60 minutes.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, the onion soup base can be frozen for up to 3 months without the bread and cheese topping.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
What cuisine category does this belong to?
This recipe is categorized as European cuisine.
Can I use olive oil instead of canola oil?
Yes, olive oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil for sautéing the onions.
How do I get the cheese to melt on top?
Place the cheese-topped bread on the hot soup and optionally place the bowls under a broiler for a few minutes.
What type of cheese goes well with this?
Gruyere, Swiss, or Mozzarella are excellent choices for onion soup.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is labeled as an easy recipe with simple steps and minimal equipment.
Does this soup contain cholesterol?
The base recipe is cholesterol-free as it uses plant-based ingredients; however, adding cheese will introduce cholesterol.