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Vegetarian French Onion Soup with Lentils and Gruyère Recipe

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4.1 from 184 reviews

This vegetarian French Onion Soup is a rich, comforting classic made with caramelized onions, savory vegetable broth, and hearty lentils for added texture and protein. Topped with toasted low-carb bread and melted vegetarian Gruyere and Parmesan cheese, this soup delivers all the traditional flavors while remaining vegetarian-friendly.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Sauce and Soup Base

  • 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 (from 1 cup dry lentils)

Toppings

  • 6 slices low-carb bread, toasted
  • 1 cup grated vegetarian Gruyere cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated vegetarian parmesan cheese
  • Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Onions: Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook the sliced onions for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start softening.
  2. Add Salt and Sugar: Sprinkle in salt and brown sugar to help caramelize the onions, then continue cooking for another 12-15 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and tender.
  3. Add Wine, Garlic, and Bay Leaves: Pour in the dry white wine, add minced garlic and bay leaves, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld and the wine reduce slightly.
  4. Add Broth, Pepper, Sauce, and Lentils: Stir in vegetable broth, ground black pepper, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and cooked lentils. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes to blend all flavors together.
  5. Toast Bread: While the soup simmers, toast the low-carb bread slices until crispy and cut them into smaller pieces suitable for topping.
  6. Pour Soup In Bowls: Remove the bay leaves, then ladle the soup equally into four oven-safe bowls.
  7. Top Bowls: Place pieces of toast on top of each bowl of soup. Sprinkle evenly with grated vegetarian Gruyere and parmesan cheeses.
  8. Broil: Place the bowls under a broiler preheated to 400°F (204°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, serve hot, and enjoy your homemade vegetarian French onion soup!

Notes

  • Use a heavy-bottomed dutch oven or large pot for even cooking and caramelization of onions.
  • The lentils add protein and make this soup more filling while keeping it vegetarian.
  • Make sure to use vegetarian versions of Gruyere, Parmesan, and Worcestershire sauce for this to stay vegetarian-friendly.
  • Low-carb bread is used here, but you can substitute with any crusty bread you prefer.
  • Broil carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
  • Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/vegetarian-french-onion-soup-with-lentils-and-gruyere-recipe/