Properly caramelizing the onions is the key to making delicious onion soup, in this instance, patience truly is a virtue and pays off in dividends of flavor.

Vegetarian Onion Soup

9 medium onions, peeled and sliced thin

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon margarine

1 tablespoon unbleached flour

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

4 cups water

4 cubes vegetable bouillon

1 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

French bread, toasted

1. Sauté, over low heat, the onions in oil and margarine until volume decreases by a third.
2. Add flour and seasonings to onions and stir well. Continue to sauté over low heat until onions turn a rich golden color, about 1 hour or more. (This process of caramelizing the onions is what gives the soup its flavor and cannot be rushed.)
3. Combine water, vegetable bouillon, tomato paste and vinegar in separate bowl.
4. Add liquids to onions slowly, stirring constantly. Simmer soup for about 30 minutes.
5. Serve in individual bowls with toasted French bread on top

Makes 4 servings.