Go Back

French Onion Soup

Maria Watkins, LivingPlanetFriendly
French onion soup is a timeless classic that offers rich flavors and comforting warmth. This beloved dish has a deep, savory base of caramelized onions, garlic, and a well-seasoned broth, topped with melted cheese and crusty bread. Whether you're serving it as a starter at a dinner party or enjoying it as a cozy meal on a chilly day, French onion soup is sure to impress.
Total Time 2 hours
Course Main Course, Soup
Servings 8 people

Ingredients
  

  • 6 pounds yellow onions
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 tbsp butter plant-based is fine
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 4 tbsp minced garlic
  • 16 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp thyme
  • 1 tsp black ground pepper

Instructions
 

  • Start by peeling and slicing the 6 pounds of yellow onions. Slice them into thin half-moons to ensure even cooking.
  • Add the onions to a large stockpot along with 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Begin cooking on a low heat, stirring often to ensure the onions don’t burn.
  • Cook the onions for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently. They will begin to soften and turn golden brown.
  • After about 30 minutes, add butter, sugar and salt to the pot. Stir everything together and continue cooking for another 20 minutes, keeping the heat low to avoid burning.
  • Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, it’s time to add the broth and seasoning to create the soup. Add minced garlic to the pot. Pour in 16 cups of vegetable broth to form the base of your soup. The broth should cover the onions, so feel free to adjust the quantity based on the size of your pot.
  • Stir in Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and ground black pepper.
  • Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 30 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld together.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—adding a little more salt or pepper depending on your preference.

Notes

To make the bread and cheese topping, simply toast slices of French bread in the oven and top each slice with shredded cheese. Place the bread on top of the soup in individual bowls and broil in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The combination of the rich, savory broth with the crunchy bread and melted cheese is pure comfort food.
Keyword Soup