Can this recipe be made ahead?

According to MenuCochon: Yes, onion boil stores well and tastes even better when reheated.

What's the difference between onion boil and onion soup?

According to MenuCochon: Onion boil is simpler, without flour or cheese, but just as comforting.

Can other vegetables be added?

According to MenuCochon: Yes, carrots or celery pair very well with this soup.

FR|EN

Onion Boil Recipe – Cozy Winter Onion Soup

Name: Onion Boil Recipe – Cozy Winter Onion Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 bols
Cuisine: Réconfort
Ingredients: 4 large onions (peeled and halved); 1.5 L vegetable broth; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; salt (to taste); black pepper (to taste)

Prep10 min

Cook40 min

Servings4

DifficultyEasy

By Menucochon|

February 5, 2026

|Updated: Feb 5, 2026

When winter hits and all you want is something warm, simple, and soothing, the onion boil quietly steals the show. It may sound humble, but don't underestimate the power of onions slowly simmered into a fragrant, savory broth. This onion boil recipe has been making waves as the ultimate winter comfort food. Think of it as onion soup's laid-back cousin: fewer steps, fewer ingredients, but all the cozy vibes. It's the kind of meal that warms your hands, your belly, and your mood all at once.

Preparation

Instructions

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Prepare the onions
Peel the onions and cut them in half from top to bottom. Keeping them large helps them hold their shape while slowly softening in the broth.
Use yellow onions for the best balance of sweetness and savoriness.
Build flavor
In a large pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions cut-side down and let them lightly caramelize for a few minutes to boost natural sweetness.
Do not rush this step—gentle browning adds depth to the onion boil.
Add the broth
Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure the onions are mostly submerged. Sprinkle in garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Vegetable broth keeps this recipe light, but chicken broth also works.
Simmer gently
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 35–40 minutes until the onions are very tender and the broth is deeply flavored.
The longer it simmers, the closer it gets to a rich onion soup.
Serve warm
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot in bowls with plenty of broth and soft onions.
Great with toasted bread or as a base for onion soup mix recipe ideas.

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Our Tips

Chef's tips for making this recipe

The onion boil is an underrated classic that sits somewhere between onion soup and vegetable soup. As the onions simmer, they soften and release natural sweetness, creating a deeply comforting broth with very little effort.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this onion boil hot, preferably in a big bowl you can wrap your hands around. It's perfect as a light dinner, a starter, or even a comforting lunch on cold days. Pair it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own as one of those warm meals for cold days that proves simple food can still be deeply satisfying.