A Votre Santé: Cozy Vegetarian French Onion Soup for Soup Season

As the air turns crisp and evenings fall earlier, there’s something deeply comforting about a pot of soup simmering on the stove.

This Vegetarian French Onion Soup brings all the richness and nostalgia of the classic — no beef broth needed.

Slowly caramelized onions, a splash of red wine vinegar, and fragrant thyme create a broth that’s layered, savory, and soul-warming. Finished with toasted French bread and melted Gruyère, it’s a cozy fall ritual in every spoonful.

Ingredients:

1½ lbs onions, peeled and sliced into half-moons

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp honey, or maple syrup

3 cloves garlic, minced

1½ cups red wine vinegar & water ( 3/4 vinegar + 3/4 cup water) or use 1 1/2 cups red wine

4 cups vegetable broth

4 sprigs fresh thyme leaves

½ tsp salt

½ tsp ground pepper

4 thick slices French bread

1 cup freshly shredded Gruyère cheese

How to make:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook for about 20 minutes until softened and beginning to caramelize.

2. Add butter and continue to cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning, until onions are deep golden brown.

3. Stir in honey or maple syrup and garlic. Cook for another 10 minutes until onions are richly browned.

4. Pour in the red wine vinegar, deglazing the pot and scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon.

5. Add vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush bread slices with butter or oil and toast on a baking sheet for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

7. Divide soup into four oven-safe bowls. Top each with a toasted bread slice and sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyère.

8. Place bowls on a rimmed baking sheet and broil until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

9. Serve hot, and savor each cozy, flavorful bite.

There’s something almost meditative about making French Onion Soup — the slow caramelizing, the patient stirring, the reward of that first spoonful beneath golden cheese.

This vegetarian version proves that comfort doesn’t need to be complicated or heavy; it just needs to be made with care.

As soup season unfolds, may your kitchen stay warm, your bowl stay full, and your heart feel nourished. 🧅💛

📌 Save this recipe and make it part of your fall favorites. 🍂

A Votre Sante!

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