French-Onion-Style White Bean Soup

In a large soup pot, heat the 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the fennel, onion and garlic, cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Uncover and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the fennel and onion are lightly browned, about 15 minutes longer.

Add the crushed red pepper and oregano and cook for 1 minute. Add the beans and stock and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper and simmer over moderately low heat until the stock is slightly reduced and the soup is chunky, about 30 minutes. Spoon the soup into six 1-cup ramekins and set them on a sturdy baking sheet.

Preheat the broiler and position a rack 8 inches from the heat. Brush the bread with oil and cut into rounds that fit neatly into the ramekins. Transfer the bread to another baking sheet and broil, turning once, until lightly toasted. Set the toasts over the soup in the ramekins and sprinkle with the cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted and golden, about 1 minute. Drizzle with oil and serve right away.