Soup on Sunday: Caramelized Onion Mushroom

3 tablespoons butter
2 pounds onions, halved, thinly sliced
3-4 fresh thyme sprigs
2 pounds portobello mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
3 tablespoons Cognac
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups beef stock
1 cup dry white wine
1-inch-thick slices French-bread baguette, toasted
8 ounces soft fresh goat cheese, room temperature

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in heavy large pot over high heat. Add onions and thyme; sauté until onions begin to soften, about 8 minutes. Reduce heat to low; cook until onions are caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Transfer onion mixture to medium bowl.

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in same pot over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; sauté until soft, about 12 minutes. Add Cognac, balsamic vinegar and garlic; stir 20 seconds. Stir in onion mixture, then broth and wine. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer until onions are very tender, about 45 minutes. Discard thyme sprigs. Season soup with salt and pepper.

Preheat broiler. Place baguette slices on large baking sheet. Spread goat cheese on baguette slices, dividing equally. Broil goat cheese croutons until cheese begins to brown in spots, about 30 seconds. Divide soup among 6 bowls. Top with croutons and serve.

Image via Misspfui