Combine water, yeast, and 1/2 t sugar in a small bowl. Stir to dissovle yeast. Cover and stand until foamy.
In large bowl combine, salt, 2 t sugar, butter, yeast mixture, and 4 c flour. Mix, adding additional flour 1/2 c at a time until dough pulls away from the bowl.
Knead until smooth. Oil bowl and dough. Cover and rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
Divide dough into 8 pieces. Form balls. Place on parchment lined sheet. Cut an X into the top of each ball. Cover with plastic and rise 30-40 minutes more.
Make egg wash with milk and egg white and brush over dough. Bake 25 minutes in a 400 degree oven.
Remove bread from loaf center to create bowls. Ladle in soup and serve.
Freeze loaves wrapped in pastic and inside a freezer bag. Thaw on counter and warm in over before using.