Garlic Soup

1 medium onion; sliced
10 cloves garlic; finely chopped
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 (up to) 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups water
4 bouillon cubes
4 slices italian or french bread (optional)
4 slices swiss cheese


Sauté onion and garlic in butter and oil until the onion is soft. Do not brown. Add parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in 4 cups water and bring to boil. Add bouillon cubes and simmer, covered with a lid, for 30 minutes. Optional: Broil bread on both sides until crisp. Turn off broiler, and then place slices of cheese on the bread. Keep the bread in the oven until the cheese melts. Place one slice of bread on top of each individual serving of soup. Serve immediately.