1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. French Onion-Inspired Bean Toast

French Onion-Inspired Bean Toast

Featured in Delicious Vegetarian Recipes.

This French Onion-Inspired Bean Toast reimagines the cozy flavors of classic French onion soup in a hearty, plant-based form. The magic lies in the slow-caramelized onions, which develop deep, rich flavors over an hour of patient cooking. These are combined with creamy beans and umami-rich ingredients like mushroom powder and vegan Worcestershire sauce to create a savory topping that's reminiscent of French onion soup's signature taste. Served over crusty toast, it's a satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort to any cool day.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Wed, 22 Jan 2025 18:13:27 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
French Onion Inspired Beans pin it
French Onion Inspired Beans | myhomemaderecipe.com

French Onion-Inspired Beans transform a classic soup into a hearty vegetarian dish that delivers all the rich, savory flavors you'd expect from the original. This innovative recipe proves that plant-based cooking can create deeply satisfying alternatives to traditional meat-based dishes.

I discovered while developing this recipe that patience with the onions is absolutely crucial. That first time I watched them slowly transform from sharp and crisp to meltingly sweet, I knew this dish would become something special.

Essential Ingredients

  • Yellow onions : The foundation for creating deep caramelized flavor
  • Cooked beans : Provides hearty texture and protein
  • Vegan Worcestershire sauce : Adds essential umami depth
  • Nutritional yeast : Creates savory, cheese-like notes
  • Shiitake mushroom powder : Provides rich, meaty undertones
  • Quality bean broth : Forms the base of the sauce

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Caramelizing Onions
Slice onions thinly and uniformly. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Cook slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally for 45-60 minutes until deeply golden.
Step 2: Building the Sauce
Add vegan Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the pan. Incorporate nutritional yeast and mushroom powder. Slowly add bean broth while stirring. Simmer until the sauce thickens to a gravy consistency.
Step 3: Finishing the Dish
Add cooked beans to the sauce. Simmer until beans are heated through. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve over toasted bread or as desired.
French Onion Inspired Beans Recipe pin it
French Onion Inspired Beans Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

In my grandmother's kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary was an art form. This dish honors that tradition by elevating humble beans and onions into something truly special.

Perfect Pairing

A bitter greens salad perfectly balances the rich, savory beans. The contrast in textures and flavors creates a complete meal.

Creative Variations

Try different bean varieties or add roasted mushrooms for extra umami. Some nights I'll add a splash of white wine while caramelizing the onions for extra depth.

Final thoughts: This vegetarian transformation of French onion soup into a bean dish proves that plant-based cooking can capture all the depth and satisfaction of traditional recipes. The combination of properly caramelized onions, umami-rich seasonings, and creamy beans creates something that's both familiar and entirely new. Whether served over toast or alongside a fresh salad, it's become a favorite way to reimagine classic flavors.

Flavorful French Onion Inspired Beans Recipe pin it
Flavorful French Onion Inspired Beans Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?
Yes! The caramelized onions can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for up to three months.
→ What's the best bread to use for this recipe?
A sturdy whole grain or sourdough bread works best as it can hold up to the hearty bean topping without getting soggy.
→ Can I substitute the shiitake mushroom powder?
If you can't find shiitake powder, you can use any mushroom powder or even a small amount of vegetable bouillon for that savory umami flavor.
→ Why do you recommend removing the bread crust?
The crust of whole grain or sourdough bread can get very hard when toasted, making the dish harder to eat. But it's optional and you can save the crusts for breadcrumbs!
→ Can I use canned beans?
Yes, canned cannellini beans work well - just be sure to include some of the liquid from the can to help create the gravy-like consistency.

French Onion-Inspired Bean Toast

A comforting vegan twist on French onion soup, featuring caramelized onions and savory beans served over crusty toast - perfect for chilly days.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
90 Minutes
Total Time
105 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Meatless Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French-Inspired

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Caramelized Onions

01 3 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 pound yellow onions, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rings
03 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
04 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar

→ Toast Base

05 4 slices solid bread (preferably whole grain or sourdough)
06 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Bean Topping

07 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
08 3 cups cooked cannellini beans with their broth (or ayocote beans)
09 2 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
10 2 teaspoons shiitake mushroom powder
11 Kosher salt to taste
12 Fresh ground black pepper for serving

Instructions

Step 01

Heat olive oil in large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and salt, cook until soft (15 minutes). Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until deep golden (1 hour). Add vinegar, cook 15 more minutes until color deepens further.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in medium skillet. Toast bread slices until golden on both sides. Transfer to serving plates.

Step 03

In same skillet, toast nutritional yeast until fragrant (1-2 minutes). Add beans with broth, caramelized onions, Worcestershire sauce, and mushroom powder. Cook until sauce thickens to gravy consistency.

Step 04

Spoon bean mixture over toasted bread. Finish with fresh ground black pepper and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Caramelized onions can be made ahead and stored in refrigerator for days or freezer for months
  2. Consider removing bread crusts if using whole grain or sourdough to prevent them from getting too hard
  3. Save removed crusts for making breadcrumbs

Tools You'll Need

  • Large Dutch oven or braiser
  • Medium skillet
  • Measuring spoons