Classic Rich Onion Soup — Deeply Caramelized, Savoury & Comforting

🛒 Ingredients

• #Soup Base;
• 6–7 large yellow onions (approx. 1 kg), thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp vegan butter (for richest flavour)
• 1 tsp coconut sugar or brown sugar — helps caramelize
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.. 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 150 ml dry white wine OR extra broth (optional, adds depth)
• 1 litre rich vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for umami).. 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried).. 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper — to taste
• #Toppings;
• 4–6 slices crusty baguette or sourdough
• 100–120 g vegan cheese (meltable varieties like mozzarella-style or gruyère-style), grated
• Fresh thyme — for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil and vegan butter in a large heavy pot over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions turn deep golden brown and sweet — don’t rush this step! If they brown too fast, lower heat; if dry, add a splash of water.

2. 2

   Build flavour: Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle over the flour, stir well, and cook 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

3. 3

   Simmer: Pour in wine (if using) — stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add vegetable broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 15–20 minutes to let flavours meld. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or acidity.

4. 4

   Assemble & broil: Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice or two of toasted bread, then pile generously with grated vegan cheese.

5. 5

   Melt & serve: Place bowls under a hot grill/broiler for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately — careful, it’s very hot!