VEGETARIAN/VEGAN FRENCH ONION SOUP

I sometimes think that onions are overlooked when it comes to soup, but a good bowl of well made onion soup is an absolute joy and extremely nutritious!
Onions are great infection fighters and immune boosters and this is exactly the time of year that we need a wee boost, with all the stress of Christmas preparations, the cold and damp weather and for most of us too much alcohol, chocolate, and junk food. Add to that too many late nights and an never ending to do list, all of  which depletes our immune system leaving us vulnerable to whatever bugs are doing the rounds!

But not to worry, onions to the rescue! 



The trick is to let the onions roast until they are really soft and deep gold in colour


I am a big fan of simple recipes that pack a punch in the flavour and nutrition stakes and that's exactly what this soup does. Onions are a staple in most folks kitchen so this soup can be thrown together anytime!

So without further rambling, here is the simple recipe!
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Ingredients

• 6 medium onions, red, white, yellow, pink or shallots
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs of rosemary, leaves removed
• 600ml veggie stock or more (​ I use Kallo organic stock cubes or Marigold Bouillon Powder)
• 2 or 3 tablespoons olive or rapeseed oil
• salt and pepper

Method

1. Put the oven on at 200C/gas mark 6.
2. Peel and roughly chop the onions.
3. Transfer to  a roasting tin, add the olive or rapeseed oil, rosemary, 2 bay leaves and a sprinkling of salt and black pepper.
4. Roast for about 45 minutes, moving them round the pan from time to time.
5. When the onions are soft and tender, remove the bay leaves and put half the onions aside, then put the other half into a blender with 600ml of vegetable stock, pour into a large saucepan and bring to the boil.
6. Stir in the reserved onions then bring to the boil and leave to simmer for about 10 minutes. Check the seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with a swirl of cream and either hemp seeds, chia seeds or some seaweed flakes. I use soya or oatly cream.

Voila, soup done!
Enjoy