French Onion and Butter Bean Soup
Experience a delightful twist on a classic comfort food with this French Onion and Butter Bean Soup. It marries the deeply caramelized, savory sweetness of traditional French onion soup with the creamy, satisfying texture of butter beans. This hearty vegetarian dish is perfect for a cozy evening, offering rich flavors and a comforting warmth that truly delivers.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
65 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A comforting and delicious twist on a timeless classic.
- Infused with deeply caramelized onions for unparalleled flavor.
- The addition of butter beans provides a wonderfully creamy texture and satisfying heartiness.
- Perfect for a vegetarian meal that doesn't compromise on richness or depth.
- Topped with toasted baguette and bubbly Gruyère for a truly indulgent finish.
Ingredients
- Yellow onions: 3 medium-sized (approximately 600 grams / 1.3 pounds), thinly sliced
- Butter beans: 1 can (425 grams / 15 ounces), drained and rinsed
- Vegetable broth: 960 milliliters (4 cups)
- Olive oil: 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Thyme: 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon), fresh or dried
- Bay leaf: 1
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Gruyère cheese: 100 grams (1 cup), grated
- Baguette: 1 (approximately 250 grams), sliced into 2.5 cm (1-inch) rounds
Instructions
- Begin by warming a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to shimmer gently, indicating it is ready for the onions.
- Introduce the thinly sliced yellow onions into the warmed olive oil. Stir occasionally, allowing them to soften, release their moisture, and gradually turn a deep golden-brown. This caramelization process is crucial for the soup's depth of flavor and will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Around the 10-15 minute mark, add the minced garlic and continue cooking until the onions are beautifully caramelized.
- While the onions are slowly caramelizing, prepare your toppings. Preheat your oven's broiler to a medium-high setting. Slice the baguette into approximately 2.5 cm (1-inch) thick rounds and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once the onions have achieved their rich, golden caramelization, carefully pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the drained and rinsed butter beans, fresh or dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Season with a pinch of salt and a grind of fresh black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing all the magnificent flavors to meld and deepen.
- While the soup is simmering, place the prepared baguette slices under the preheated broiler. Toast them for 2-4 minutes, watching carefully, until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Carefully ladle the simmering soup into individual oven-safe serving bowls. Place one or two slices of the toasted baguette on top of each bowl of soup, then generously cover the bread and a portion of the soup with grated Gruyère cheese.
- Carefully place the oven-safe bowls under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the Gruyère cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and has developed a golden-brown crust. Serve immediately, taking care as the bowls will be extremely hot.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Oven-safe serving bowls
- Cheese grater
Essential Success Tips
- Patience is paramount when caramelizing onions; do not rush this step, as it forms the flavor foundation of the soup.
- Ensure your pot is not overcrowded with onions, as this can steam them instead of allowing them to caramelize evenly.
- Keep a close watch on the broiler when toasting the baguette and melting the cheese; it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
- Use a high-quality vegetable broth to ensure a robust and flavorful soup base.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning (salt and pepper) before the final broiling step to perfect the flavor profile.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To achieve a more intense depth of flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) after the onions are caramelized, scraping up any browned bits before adding the broth. Allow the wine to reduce completely.
- For perfectly even onion slices, consider using a mandoline, taking all necessary safety precautions. This ensures consistent caramelization.
- Experiment with a blend of cheeses for the topping, such as a mix of Gruyère and Emmental, to add layers of cheesy complexity.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well without the bread and cheese topping. Freeze in individual portions for quick meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
- Variations: For a richer, meatier flavor, a splash of vegan Worcestershire sauce can be added to the broth. You can also experiment with other firm, white beans like cannellini.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make French Onion and Butter Bean Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base (onions, broth, beans, seasonings) entirely ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and then proceed with toasting the baguette, adding cheese, and broiling.
What if I don't have Gruyère cheese?
While Gruyère offers a classic nutty flavor, you can substitute it with other good melting cheeses like Swiss, Emmental, Comté, or even a robust Parmesan. For a dairy-free option, use a high-quality plant-based shredded cheese designed for melting.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! The soup base itself is naturally gluten-free. To make the entire dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free baguette slices for the topping. Ensure your vegetable broth is also certified gluten-free.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: approximately 380-420, Protein: 18-22g, Fat: 20-24g, Carbohydrates: 38-42g (per serving, estimates may vary based on exact ingredients and brands)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (Gruyère cheese) and gluten (baguette). For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free baguette. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cheese substitute or omit the cheese entirely.
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