Wild Rice Onion Soup

4 1/2 lb onions, sliced thin
1/3 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar, optional
salt and pepper, to taste
3 1/3 qts beef broth
3 1/3 cups cooked wild rice
2 tbsp port wine
30 french baguette slices, lightly toasted
2 2/3 cups grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese

Saute onions in butter over medium heat 15 minutes, stirring frequently. If desired, sprinkle with sugar. Caramelize approximately 45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add half the broth; simmer uncovered 15 minutes. Add remaining broth; simmer another 25 minutes. Add wild rice; simmer 5 minutes, remove from heat and stir in wine. Top each serving with 3 bread slices; sprinkle with cheese. Broil to melt cheese. Serve immediately.

Recipe compliments of the Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council