Portuguese White Bean Soup

Portuguese White Bean Soup
(not sure where this is from either)

1 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic
2 Tbs. EVOO
1 med. red or yellow pepper, diced
1 bay leaf
salt
1/2 tsp. Ground fennel
1 med. potato
2 cups veggie stock
2 cans white beans (or 2- 3 cups cooked white beans)
1 Tbs. Lemon juice
*2 Tbsp. dry sherry- optional