Lower-Fat French Onion Soup
Lower-Fat French Onion Soup offers a comforting, savory experience with caramelized onions, aromatic thyme, and a touch of nutmeg, topped with toasted French bread and melted Swiss and Parmesan cheeses. This lighter version is perfect for those seeking rich flavors with fewer calories, suitable for casual dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, dried thyme, and 1 tablespoon of water.
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Uncover and reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Cook until the onions are golden, about 15 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the all-purpose flour and reduce the heat to medium.
- Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the reduced-sodium beef broth, remaining water, and ground nutmeg.
- Bring to a boil and skim off any foam.
- Cover and simmer the soup for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, try adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the onions. For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and consider adding some mushrooms for depth. If you want a thicker soup, you can increase the flour slightly. Using a nonstick skillet helps prevent sticking and burning while cooking the onions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, topped with toasted French bread and a generous sprinkle of Swiss and Parmesan cheese for a delightful melt. Consider pairing with a light salad or a side of Spanish Lima Beans for a complete meal. This soup also makes a great starter for a dinner featuring beef recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave, but stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lower-Fat French Onion Soup contains roughly 363 calories, with 11g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 679mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors improve after sitting overnight in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving. Store the bread separately to maintain its crispness.
What can I do if I don't have Swiss cheese?
If Swiss cheese is unavailable, Gruyère or even a mild cheddar can be used as a substitute. Both will melt nicely and add a rich flavor to the soup.
Is it possible to freeze French onion soup?
Yes, you can freeze French onion soup, but it's best to do so without the bread and cheese. Allow the soup to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).