Onion, Leek, and Grain Soup

Join us on a culinary journey inspired by Celine’s memories of onion soup being a beloved dish at social events in Switzerland. Our easy vegan version of Onion, Leek, and Grain Soup brings together the heartiness of whole grains to create a rustic and comforting delight. The caramelized sweetness of onions and leeks, enhanced by the aromatic thyme and caraway seeds, will transport you to cozy gatherings filled with laughter and warmth. Elevate this delightful soup with a drizzle of our Slightly Cheesy Cashew Sauce and a quick broil, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures in each spoonful.

YIELD: 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) grapeseed or olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 6 ounces (170 g) chopped leek (thoroughly cleaned and drained, see Recipe Note)
• 2 teaspoons (13 g) agave nectar (optional)
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black peppercorn, to taste
• 2 large sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons (16 g) Broth Powder
• 4 cups (940 ml) water
• 1 1/2 cups (approximately 280 g) cooked spelt berries, kamut, einkorn, wheat berries, triticale berries, or wild rice
• Splash of dry vegan white wine (2 tablespoons or 30 ml), to taste (optional)
• 1 prepared recipe of Slightly Cheesy Cashew Sauce, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the grapeseed or olive oil in a large pot.
2. Add the chopped onion and leek to the pot. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until the onions and leeks are beautifully browned—this should take about 10 minutes. If they are slow to brown, add the agave nectar to help speed up the process without causing them to become mushy.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute to release its aromatic flavor.
4. Add the caraway seeds, coarse kosher salt, ground black peppercorn, fresh thyme, Broth Powder, and water to the pot. Partially cover with a lid and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Now, add the cooked grain of your choice—be it spelt berries, kamut, einkorn, wheat berries, triticale berries, or wild rice—to the simmering soup. You can also add a splash of dry vegan white wine for an extra depth of flavor, if desired. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Discard the thyme sprigs once the cooking process is complete.
6. To serve, ladle portions of the delicious Onion, Leek, and Grain Soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of our Slightly Cheesy Cashew Sauce, spreading its luscious creaminess across the top of the soup.
7. For the finishing touch, place the bowls under the broiler for a few minutes to slightly brown the cashew sauce. Be sure to keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
8. Enjoy the rich blend of flavors and textures as you savor each spoonful of this hearty and wholesome soup.

This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Revel in the delicious simplicity of caramelized onions, tender leeks, and wholesome grains, all embraced by the comfort of aromatic thyme and caraway seeds. The added touch of Slightly Cheesy Cashew Sauce elevates this delightful soup to a new level of satisfaction.

Recipe Note: To achieve perfect browning of the leeks, ensure they are thoroughly drained after cleaning. Spinning them dry allows for the best browning results and enhances the rich flavor of the soup. Embrace the nostalgia of cherished gatherings in Switzerland as you create cherished memories around the table with this delightful Onion, Leek, and Grain Soup. Bon appétit!