Vegan French Onion Soup

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 large yellow onions
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• One tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt
• One teaspoon thyme (dry)
• Black pepper
• Optional topping: toasted baguette slices + vegan cheese

INGREDIENT NOTES:

YELLOW ONIONS:

• Use the yellow onions to make this soup, as they provide lots of flavor. They get properly caramelized and get sweet after being cooked. Mix some white onions along with them to add a slightly sharp taste.

VEGAN BUTTER & OIL:

• The blend of vegan butter & oil aids in the caramelization of onions equally. Oil prevents the burning of butter. Butter adds an indulgent and deep taste to the soup. Alter the quantity of them accordingly.

VEGETABLE BROTH:

• Vegetable broth adds a deep taste to this soup. We have to use the low-sodium containing broth so we can add the salt as we like. Dark vegetable broth provides the deep taste and color. Add some soy sauce to the broth if it is light to add the taste.

BALSAMIC VINEGAR:

• Balsamic vinegar will fix the sweet taste of onions. It adds the light, tangy flavor and brightness to the soup. A small quantity of balsamic vinegar is enough to add flavor. Use red wine vinegar instead if required.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Warm the oil & butter in a big pot on the medium flame.
2. Make the onion slices with a knife.
3. Include them in the pot.
4. Cook them for ten minutes.
5. Reduce the heat.
6. Keep cooking for another 20 minutes by stirring them till caramelized.
7. Include the garlic and cook for one minute.
8. Add the flour to the onions & mix.
9. Cook for 1 minute.
10. Include the vegetable broth and stir to mix it.
11. Now add the black pepper, bay leaf, thyme, and salt, and stir the seasoning.
12. When the soup starts simmering, cook for twenty minutes.
13. Include the balsamic vinegar in the soup.
14. Taste the soup and alter the seasoning if required.
15. Remove the bay leaf.
16. Add the soup to the serving bowls.
17. Sprinkle some cheese over the soup and serve with bread.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Serve the onion soup along with baguette slices.
• Include some melted vegan Gruyere cheese or mozzarella over the soup.
• Include some parsley to add color to the onion soup.

TIPS:

• Make the uniform onion slices so they get caramelized equally.
• Caramelize the onions on low heat, and with patience, otherwise they get burned.
• Add some water to loosen the onions if they get stuck.
• Use the heavy pot to cook the soup evenly.
• Include some additional broth if we want a thin consistency of soup.