A someone who is always trying to make things “healthier” – I am always on the lookout for new products to try and recipes to master. I love trying to lighten up old favorites just as much as the next basic bitch. If you are or were once like me, I’m here to tell you why your food doesn’t taste good to anyone else but yourself… you need to add a little fat, salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid. These ingredients are not the devil they once were made out to be, in moderation of course.

In the winter, I love French Onion Soup. It is seriously one of my favorite foods yet it has a few things I usually try to avoid – butter, white bread and cheese. I strive to avoid processed white carbohydrates unless they come with frosting and sprinkles on top. Animal products that are not organic give me the heebie geebies and let’s face it, most restaurants probably are not using USDA certified organic butter and cheese. Chefs also tend to add 5 servings of cheese on top of a bowl. I love this but let’s be honest, it’s a calorie bomb and something you eat once in a while not every day.

I’ve tried to recreate French Onion soup at home to make it a healthier winter staple. The actual soup itself is not very high in calories at all! The key to a good batch in my opinion is patience and butter. I’ve tried to substitute the butter, but you need it to caramelize the onions and get them to taste delicious. I like to use Rich & Creamy Melt organic butter alternative which is also vegan, non-GMO and soy free.

It is smooth and creamy, making it great for baking but also sauteing with vegetables like the onions for my French Onion Soup.   

It tastes delicious on Cinnamon Raisin toast or protein pancakes for a little snow day comfort food breakfast. I bought mine at Whole Foods but you can find a store near you using this store locator.

After many tries, here is my French Onion Soup winner that I think you are going to love. I like to serve it with homemade Ezekiel Bread croutons and Swiss or Gruyere cheese on top. I do not use nearly as much as the restaurants do but it is still delicious. You can omit the bread and/or cheese if you are gluten-free or vegan and still enjoy this recipe!

Lighter French Onion Soup (V)

Makes: 6-8 servings

Total Time: 90 mins-2 hours

5 cups of thinly sliced yellow onions, about 1 1/2-2 lbs
2 garlic gloves, minced
3 tablespoons Rich & Creamy Melt or other butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
2 tablespoons almond flour or other gluten free flour
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 sprigs
1 bay leaf
8 cups mushroom broth (or other vegetable stock)
1/2 cup dry white wine

1. Add butter and oil olive to a large saucepan or Dutch oven and turn the heat on to low. Add in the sliced onions and let them steep for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes of cooking the onions on low, slightly raise the heat to medium low and stir in the salt, pepper and sugar. Cook the onions for 30 to 40 minutes more until they are deeply golden and caramelized. Do not skimp on this. Give them more time if they need it! This step is what makes the soup delicious.
2. Stir the minced garlic into the caramelized onions and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle with flour and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add in wine and herbs and then little by little the broth, stirring regularly. Bring the soup to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer partially covered for 30-40 minutes.

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Place soup in oven proof bowl. Float toasted and cubed gluten-free bread and top each bowl with 2 tablespoons of swiss, gruyere cheese or dairy free mozzarella. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, then start the broiler. Finish under the broiler for 1-2 more minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown. Enjoy!

MELT® Organic is a line of luscious, organic spreads made from healthy oils for butter lovers seeking a much healthier alternative, available in Rich & Creamy (original), Honey, and NEW Chocolate.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of MELT Organic. The opinions and text are all mine.

MELT® Organic is a line of luscious, organic spreads made from healthy oils for butter lovers seeking a much healthier alternative, available in Rich & Creamy (original), Honey, and NEW Chocolate.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of MELT Organic. The opinions and text are all mine.

French Onion Soup – Gluten Free & Vegan Options