French Onion Soup

A rich and flavorful French Onion Soup made with caramelized onions, vegetable broth, and Gruyère cheese.

Cook time: 120 minutes

Servings: 9

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 lb white onions sliced
• 0.75 tsp salt
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp fresh thyme
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1.5 Tbsp tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp dry sherry
• 6 oz French bread or baguette torn into bite-size pieces
• 6 oz Gruyère cheese shredded
• 0 freshly ground black pepper
• 0 fresh chives chopped

Instructions

1. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter and warm the oil. Add the onions and ¾ tsp of the salt, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
2. Remove the lid and cook, stirring often, until golden brown and caramelized, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Add the white wine and cook over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until most of the wine has been absorbed.
4. Add the flour, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, and remaining ½ tsp of salt and stir to coat the onions with the spices and flour.
5. Add the vegetable broth, tamari, and Worcestershire, raise the heat to medium-high, and bring to a simmer. Then cover, lower the heat to medium-low, and simmer for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor.
6. Remove from the heat and stir in the sherry. Once cool enough to sample, taste and season with salt and sherry as needed.
7. Preheat the broiler on high. Divide the soup among eight ovenproof ramekins (or however many people you are serving) and top each bowl with torn bread, Gruyère, and a grind of pepper.
8. Carefully place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is browning (watch closely, as broiler time will vary). Sprinkle with chives and serve warm.