VEGETARIAN "CLASSIC" ONION SOUP

VEGETARIAN

Yield 6-10 bowls

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tbs margarine or butter
2 tbs olive oil
4 large Spanish or yellow onions (vidalia...mmmm), halved and thinly sliced
2 cups water
1 quart vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup sherry
1/2 tsp salt (omit if broth is salty)
1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1/2 tsp black pepper
6-10 slices french bread, sliced about 1 inch thick and lightly toasted
6-10 tbs crumbled goat cheese (feta or chevre) or to taste (I love LOTS of cheese!)

Steps:

Heat oil and margarine in large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and saute until caramelized (up to 30 minutes). If they start to stick before they caramelize, add 1-2 tbs of water (you may need to do this several times). Add sherry, and stock. Add spices. Simmer 30 min to several hours (it makes the kitchen smell yummy!). Preheat oven to 500 degrees (or use broiler). Pour soup into oven proof bowl. Top with toast then sprinkle with cheese. Put bowls on baking sheet and bake until cheese melts (1 to 2 minutes). ENJOY!!!