Vegetarian French Onion Soup: A Rich Vegan Adaptation
French onion soup is a classic dish enjoyed by many. But did you know that there's a delicious vegetarian and vegan version of this beloved soup? Yes, you can make it without beef broth while still retaining its rich flavors and satisfying texture. The secret to this vegetarian version lies in carefully caramelizing the onions and using vegetable broth, alongside a few other simple ingredients. Let's dive into the recipe and explore the vegan versions of this iconic French dish.
A Personal Journey to a Vegan Lifestyle
Robert Courtine, the renowned chef and editor of the authoritative Larousse Gastronomique, wrote in his esteemed book, The Hundred Glories of French Cooking, about the evolving nature of French cuisine, particularly with respect to vegetarian and vegan options.
With vegan recipes becoming more popular, many are considering adopting a plant-based diet. As a newbie in the vegan world, my journey was initially challenging, but I was determined to embrace this lifestyle and adapt to a vegan diet. After a week of adjustments, I learned to cook vegan food as I like, and I quickly noticed improvements in my health and well-being.
The Importance of the Onion
As Robert Courtine notes, the starring ingredient in French onion soup is the onion. The traditional recipe, as documented in The Hundred Glories of French Cooking, emphasizes the centrality of the onion and suggests that one can experiment with different variations of the recipe. As he puts it:
"Only the onion is indispensable.
— Robert Courtine, The Hundred Glories of French Cooking
This versatility allows for a range of creative interpretations, from using water instead of stock, to substituting milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives, ensuring that even vegetarian enthusiasts can enjoy this classic French dish.
A Simple Vegetarian French Onion Soup Recipe
Here’s a straightforward recipe for a delicious, vegetarian French onion soup:
Ingredients
4 large onions, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to help caramelize the onions) 4 cups vegetable broth 1 cup dry white wine (optional) 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried) Salt and pepper to taste Baguette or crusty bread, sliced Gruyère cheese or a vegan cheese alternative (optional)Instructions
Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, heat the olive oil or vegan butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. De-glaze the Pot: If using wine, pour it in now and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced. Add Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Prepare the Bread: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the sliced bread on a baking sheet and top with cheese (if using). Toast in the oven until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with the toasted bread and cheese, and enjoy your delicious and satisfying vegetarian French onion soup!Enjoy Your Meal!
Like the traditional version, our vegetarian French onion soup dinner recipe adapts the rich flavors of the classic while being fully vegan-friendly. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to make it your own. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!