Easy Recipe At Home: French Onion Soup With A Twist

I’ll admit, onions often bring tears to my eyes—but not when they’re part of a delicious recipe! In our home, onions are more than just a kitchen staple, they’re a versatile vegetable that we use ensuring nothing goes to waste. In a world where sustainability matters, reducing waste and making the most of every ingredient is essential. Today, we’re diving into a zero-waste recipe that uses every part of the onion, including the skins, to create a delicious, plant-based twist on the classic French onion soup.

The Health Benefits of Onions

Onions are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. They’re also rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Incorporating onions into your diet can support heart health, regulate blood sugar levels, and improve digestive health thanks to their high fiber content. Now, let’s explore how we can make the most of this nutrient-packed vegetable in a zero-waste recipe.

Zero Waste French Onion Soup Recipe

This recipe is not just a delicious meal but also a sustainable way to cook. By using every part of the onion, including the skins, you can create a rich and flavorful soup while reducing food waste. Here’s how you can do it.

Ingredients:

50 g plant-based block butter
1 tbsp olive oil
800 g organic onions
1 tsp sugar
4 garlic cloves
2 tbsp plain flour
250 ml white wine
900 ml homemade veggie stock
4 slices baguette
100 g vegan cheddar

Pro tip: Save the onion skins to make powder and use it as a condiment.

Instructions:

Add your olive oil to a pan
Add finely grated garlic and roughly sliced onions – cook until golden and soft
Mix in your plant-based butter and flour
Deglaze the pan with white wine and add your vegetable stock. You can make your own stock powder by saving, dehydrating, and grinding the skin of mixed vegetables
Stop cooking it when half the liquid evaporates
Dry and grind the skin of your onion
Add your soup to a heat-resistant bowl and Toast some bread to place on top.
Grate plant-based cheese and cover your bread with a generous amount
Bake in the oven until the cheese melts
Add finely chopped chives and your onion powder

Embracing Zero Waste in the Kitchen

This zero-waste French onion soup is a perfect example of how easy and rewarding it can be to incorporate sustainable practices into your cooking. By using every part of the onion, you’re not just creating a delicious meal—you’re also making your kitchen more sustainable. The onion powder made from the skins can be stored in an airtight container and used to enhance soups, stews, and sauces. This simple shift towards zero-waste cooking can lead to healthier, more flavorful meals while positively impacting the environment.

So, the next time you’re cooking with onions, remember—there’s no need to throw anything away. With a little creativity, you can turn every part of this versatile vegetable into something both delicious and sustainable.

Happy cooking!