Light French onion soup
Nutrition per serving
The comforting classic onion soup, reworked to be lighter: tender caramelised onions in a flavourful stock, topped with a thin layer of grilled cheese. Warming and tasty, without too much fat.
Preparation: 15 min | Cooking: 40 min | Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy
Calculated per serving from the Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities in the list. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 226 kcal · 9 g protein · 24 g carbohydrate · 10 g fat
Ingredients
- 6 onions
- 1 litre of stock
- 4 slices of wholemeal bread
- 60 g grated Gruyère
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Method
- Caramelise the sliced onions over a low heat for 20 minutes.
- Add the stock and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Divide between bowls and add the bread and cheese.
- Grill for a few minutes in the oven.
Nutritional benefits
Onion is low in calories and rich in fibre and antioxidants (quercetin). Slowly caramelised, it develops a mild, deep flavour with no added sugar. With a sensible layer of cheese and wholemeal bread, this soup stays comforting and light, ideal in winter.
Variations and substitutions
- With Comté or Emmental.
- Gluten-free: no bread, or gluten-free bread.
- With white wine in the stock.
- With red onions for a change.
Storage and making ahead
The soup keeps for 3 days; grill it just before serving for crispy bread.
💡 Good to know
Caramelise the onions slowly and patiently: it is this long, gentle cooking that gives the soup all its flavour, without adding anything.
Related reading
Discover more vegetarian recipes · healthy & balanced recipes · weight-loss recipes.
The foods in this recipe: onions · stock · wholemeal bread · Gruyère · olive oil.
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