French Onion Soup Recipe (Vegetarian)

Cozy bowl of Vegetarian French Onion Soup with bread and cheese on top.

French Onion Soup Recipe (Vegetarian)

Savory, healthy, and so delicious, this Vegetarian French Onion Soup is surprisingly easy to make and packed with protein and fiber! The lentils and slightly sweet onions make this a filling and comforting bowl of soup. Then, topped with low-carb bread (or bread of choice) and Gruyere cheese, every bite gets a bit of that toasty bubbly cheesy crust. It is truly perfection!

Course Dinner

Cuisine American, French

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 45

Total Time 50

Servings Servings

Calories 514kcal

Author Christine McMichael

Equipment

Dutch Oven
Soup Bowls w/ Handles optional

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons olive oil
3-4 medium yellow onions peeled and thinly sliced, about 4-5 cups sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 teaspoons minced garlic
2 medium bay leaves
6 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
2 cups cooked lentils 1 cup dry
6 slices low-carb bread toasted
1 cup grated vegetarian Gruyere cheese
1/4 cup grated vegetarian parmesan
fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

Cook the sliced onions in oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the salt and sugar, then continue cooking for another 12-15 minutes.
Add the wine, garlic, and bay leaves, cooking for another 5 minutes.
Add the broth, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and cooked lentils, simmer for another 10 minutes.
Toast the bread and cut into pieces.
Remove the bay leaves and divide the soup into 4 oven-safe bowls.
Cover the top of each bowl with bread pieces of toast and cheeses.
Broil at 400 degrees F for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.
Sprinkle with fresh thyme, serve, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Onions - Onions need some time, and a little sugar to help them caramelize and develop all of the flavor. White onions or sweet onions could be used as well.

Liquids - You can substitute the white wine for water with a Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, or just extra broth. Beef broth can also be used instead of vegetable broth.

Make it Vegan - Use vegan cheeses and vegan Worcestershire sauce for a plant-based meal!

Large Pot Serving - Leave the soup in your Dutch oven, top with bread and cheese and broil the entire pot. Ladle each serving directly from the larger pot.

Storing - Let the soup cool completely, transfer it into an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the Vegetarian French Onion Soup for 1-2 months, but I suggest removing any bread and cheese topping before freezing. When reheated, add new toast and cheese and broil for the best texture and flavor!

Nutrition