Vegan French Onion Stew

Name: Vegan French Onion Stew
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: European, Mediterranean, French
Ingredients: 5 c. water, divided; Extra-virgin olive oil; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 4 small red onions, thinly sliced; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 c. dry red wine; 3 sprigs fresh thyme; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 c. brown lentils; 1/2 baguette, sliced; Sliced vegan cheese, such as provolone or Gruyère; Chopped fresh parsley, for serving