Onion Soup With Croutons

Name: Onion Soup With Croutons
Ingredients: 2 quarts water; 2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium beef broth, defatted; 3 carrots; 3 stalks celery; 4 ounces parsley root; 1 leek, halved lengthwise (white and light green parts only); 1 green pepper, halved; 1 tomato; 2 bay leaves, crumbled; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon black peppercorns; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 1/2 pounds onions, thinly sliced; 4 shallots, quartered; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 cup port or apple juice; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups reduced-fat croutons