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French Onion Soup

This easy French onion soup recipe rivals any restaurant version. Topped with crispy, cheesy baguette, it's rich, savory, and comforting. This vegetarian version uses tamari and balsamic vinegar to create wonderful savory flavor without beef broth.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Main Course, Soup, Starter
Cuisine: European, French
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 pounds medium yellow onions halved and thinly sliced
  • 0.75 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1.5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1.5 tablespoons tamari
  • 1.5 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose white flour
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Baguette slices for topping
  • Gruyere cheese, aged cheddar, and/or Parmesan cheese for topping
  • Fresh thyme for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot or Dutch oven
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions, salt, and several grinds of pepper and toss to combine.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 40 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are very soft.
  3. Increase the heat to medium and cook 15 to 20 more minutes, stirring often, until the onions are golden brown.
  4. Add the balsamic vinegar, tamari, thyme, and garlic and stir to combine.
  5. Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stir, and cook for 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in the wine and cook for 2 minutes, or until the wine has evaporated.
  7. Add the vegetable broth and simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes.
  8. While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  9. Place the baguette slices on the baking sheet, top with cheese, and bake until the slices are toasted and the cheese is melted, 8 to 10 minutes.
  10. Ladle the soup into ramekins or bowls and top each with a toasted baguette piece, fresh thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.
Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale - Kitchen Equipment Recommendation

Notes

Caramelized onions are what give French onion soup its sweet, rich flavor, so cook the onions for longer than you think you need to, about 1 hour total. Wine substitute: Use 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup water to replace 1 cup white wine, or leave it out completely. Toast extra baguette slices so you have enough to enjoy with your entire bowl of soup. The soup's flavor deepens as it sits in the fridge, making it an excellent make-ahead option.
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