17/06/2025
When you’re under the weather and need something restorative, this bowl of brothy goodness wraps you in a warm, oniony hug. It’s the soup I turn to when I need nourishment, depth of flavour, and a medicinal boost all in one.
This isn’t your typical pub-style French onion soup dripping with cheese. Instead, it’s a cleaner, lighter version – slow-cooked for full flavour, naturally sweetened with honey and maple, and packed with garlic and herbs to boost the immune system. You can add crusty bread and Gruyère if you’re feeling indulgent – but it holds its own perfectly well without it.
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🥣 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
• 4 large red onions, thinly sliced
• 2 large white onions, thinly sliced
• 1 k**b butter (around 1 tbsp)
• 1 good glug of olive oil (2 tbsp)
• 1 tbsp runny honey
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 6–8 cups good quality stock (chicken, beef or veg)
• Optional: dash of brandy (if you’re feeling French)
• Optional garnish: sliced toasted sourdough & melted Gruyère or Parmesan
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👩🍳 Method
1. Sweat + caramelise the onions:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, add the butter and olive oil over low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for 35–45 minutes, stirring every few minutes. When the onions begin to soften and deepen in colour, stir in the honey and maple syrup. Keep going until deeply golden and jammy.
2. Build the flavour:
Add garlic, thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Stir for another 2 minutes until aromatic.
3. Deglaze with red wine:
Pour in the wine, scraping up any caramelised bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer and reduce slightly for 5 minutes.
4. Add stock & simmer:
Pour in the stock, bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes uncovered. Taste and adjust seasoning. (Add a splash of brandy here if you fancy.)
5. Serve & enjoy:
Ladle into bowls and enjoy as-is, or go classic: top with a thick slice of toasted French bread and a sprinkle of grated cheese, then grill until bubbly.
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🧠 Nutritional Benefits
• Onions & garlic: Natural anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties
• Thyme: A respiratory herb that supports coughs and colds
• Red wine: Antioxidant-rich (in moderation)
• Bone broth or stock: Healing amino acids + minerals
• Olive oil: Healthy fats that reduce inflammation
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🔥 Estimated Nutritional Info (Per Serving, no bread/cheese):
• Calories: 120
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fat: 7g
• Fibre: 2g
• Sugar: 6g (from natural onion sugars, honey, maple)
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💡 Tips & Variations
• 🥄 Add lentils or quinoa to bulk it up into a full meal
• 🧄 For a deeper punch, add a spoon of miso paste at the end
• 🧀 Fancy it cheesy? Use a slice of toasted sourdough topped with grated Gruyère or vegan cheese and flash-grill until melty
