Soupe au Fenouil

Soupe au Fenouil is a easy French recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Michel Dumas on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min

Cost: $10.10 total, $2.53 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Onion (peeled and diced)
  • 400 g Fennel Bulb (trimmed and thinly sliced)
  • 500 g Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • 2 L Vegetable Broth (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 3 g Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 30 g Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics

    Place the large pot over medium‑high heat, add the olive oil, then add the diced onions and sliced fennel. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the fennel softens, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add Potatoes

    Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and stir for 2 minutes to coat them with the aromatics.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Introduce Broth and Bring to Boil

    Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, increase the heat to high, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Simmer Soup

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and let the soup cook for 40 minutes, or until the potatoes and fennel are fork‑tender.

    Time: PT40M

    Temperature: low simmer

  5. Season

    Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Serve and Garnish

    Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright finish.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free

Last updated: April 24, 2026

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Soupe au Fenouil

Recipe by Chef Michel Dumas

A comforting French-inspired vegetable soup featuring sweet onions, aromatic fennel, and tender potatoes simmered in a rich vegetable broth. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal that can be made ahead and enjoyed any time of year.

EasyFrenchServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
6m
Prep
50m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 6m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.10
Total cost
$2.53
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté onions and fennel until translucent to develop flavor.
  • Simmer the soup long enough for potatoes and fennel to become fork‑tender.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot pot with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Use a stable cutting board; keep fingers away from the knife blade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of fennel and onion vegetable soup in French cuisine?

A

Fennel and onion soup is a classic rustic French dish that showcases the region’s love for aromatic vegetables. Historically, it was a peasant soup made with inexpensive produce and homemade broth, providing warmth and nourishment during the colder months.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fennel and onion soup in France?

A

In Provence, the soup often includes tomatoes and herbs de Provence, while in the coastal regions of Normandy, a splash of cream or cider may be added. Some versions also incorporate leeks or carrots for added sweetness.

cultural
Q

How is fennel and onion vegetable soup traditionally served in French households?

A

It is typically served hot in shallow bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or fennel fronds, and accompanied by crusty French bread for dipping. A drizzle of good olive oil is sometimes added just before serving.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is fennel and onion vegetable soup traditionally associated with in French culture?

A

The soup is a staple during winter family meals and is often served on chilly evenings after outdoor activities like hunting or skiing. It also appears on menus for modest holiday gatherings where a warm, comforting starter is desired.

cultural
Q

What other French dishes pair well with fennel and onion vegetable soup?

A

Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette, a slice of quiche Lorraine, or a classic French cheese platter featuring Brie and Comté. A glass of dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc complements the soup’s light flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making fennel and onion vegetable soup?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the fennel, which can become mushy, and under‑seasoning the broth. Also, adding too much liquid at the start can dilute flavor; simmer until the vegetables are tender and the broth is concentrated.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a gentle simmer instead of a rapid boil for the soup?

A

A gentle simmer allows the delicate flavors of fennel and onion to meld without breaking down the vegetables too quickly, preserving texture and preventing the broth from becoming cloudy.

technical
Q

Can I make fennel and onion vegetable soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the soup can be prepared up to two days in advance. Cool it quickly, transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the fennel and onion vegetable soup is done?

A

The vegetables should be fork‑tender but still hold their shape, and the broth should be clear to lightly golden with a fragrant aroma. The soup should look glossy from the olive oil and have a speck of green parsley on top.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Michel Dumas specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chef Michel Dumas specializes in classic French home cooking, focusing on simple, technique‑driven recipes that bring traditional flavors to everyday kitchens.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Michel Dumas's approach to French cooking differ from other French cooking channels?

A

Chef Michel Dumas emphasizes practical, step‑by‑step instruction with a focus on pantry staples and seasonal produce, whereas many other French channels often showcase more elaborate, restaurant‑style techniques.

channel

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