Welcome to the world of culinary delight as we explore the unique flavors of Bermuda through a classic dish with a local twist – Bermuda Onion Soup. This recipe pays homage to the island's rich culinary heritage by featuring the sweet and mild Bermuda onions, transforming them into a comforting and savory soup that will warm your soul. With its distinctive blend of flavors, this recipe promises to be a delightful addition to your repertoire of hearty soups. So, let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the secrets behind creating the perfect bowl of Bermuda Onion Soup.

Ingredients:

• 4 large Bermuda onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup dry sherry
• 8 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Baguette slices, toasted
• 1 1/2 cups Gruyère or Swiss cheese, grated

Instructions:

Caramelize the Onions:

1-In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.

2-Add thinly sliced Bermuda onions and cook slowly until they become golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally. This process may take about 30-40 minutes.

Add Garlic and Sugar:Stir in minced garlic and sugar. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the sugar is dissolved.

Deglaze with Sherry:Pour in the dry sherry to deglaze the pot, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Allow the sherry to cook down for 2-3 minutes.

Simmer with Broth and Herbs:Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, and add bay leaves and chopped thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Cheese Topping:While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven's broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them until golden brown on both sides.

Serve the Soup:

1-Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls.

2-Place a couple of toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl, and generously sprinkle Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the bread.

Broil Until Golden and Bubbly:Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and slightly bubbly.

Serve Hot:Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve the Bermuda Onion Soup hot, savoring the rich flavors and the gooey goodness of melted cheese.

Enjoy this Bermuda-inspired variation of the classic French onion soup, a comforting and flavorful dish that showcases the sweet taste of Bermuda onions in every spoonful!

Nutritional Values:

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and sizes of ingredients used, and the following values are approximate. These values are based on typical nutritional information and may not be exact for your particular ingredients.

Bermuda Onions (4 large):

• Calories: 200
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Vitamin C: 40% of Daily Value
• Calcium: 8% of Daily Value

Benefits: Bermuda onions are a good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and they contain fiber, promoting digestive health.

Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons):

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits: Butter adds richness to the soup and contributes to the flavor. It contains saturated fats and cholesterol in moderation, which are essential for hormone production and cell structure.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits: Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that provides monounsaturated fats. It also adds a distinctive flavor and can have anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic (4 cloves):

• Calories: 16
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits: Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including immune system support and anti-inflammatory properties. It adds a robust flavor to the soup.

Sugar (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 16
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits: Sugar is used in moderation to aid in caramelizing the onions, providing a sweet undertone to balance the savory flavors in the soup.

Dry Sherry (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 160
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits: Dry sherry adds depth and complexity to the soup's flavor. It also contributes to the dish's aroma and can enhance the overall dining experience.

Beef or Vegetable Broth (8 cups):

• Calories: 80
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 16g

Benefits: Broth forms the base of the soup and provides essential nutrients. It is hydrating and can contribute to overall fluid intake. The choice between beef or vegetable broth allows for customization based on dietary preferences.

Thyme Leaves, Fresh (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits: Thyme is a herb that not only adds a pleasant flavor to the soup but also contains antioxidants and has potential antibacterial properties.

Salt and Black Pepper:

• These are typically used in small amounts and contribute minimal calories and nutrients.

Benefits: Used in moderation, salt enhances the overall taste of the soup, while black pepper adds a hint of spiciness. Both contribute to flavor without significant nutritional content.

Baguette Slices, Toasted:

• Calories: 200 (for 2 slices, approximately)
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 1g

Benefits: Toasted baguette slices add a crunchy texture to the soup and serve as a traditional accompaniment. The carbohydrates in the bread provide energy.

Gruyère or Swiss Cheese, Grated (1 1/2 cups):

• Calories: 600
• Fat: 48g
• Saturated Fat: 30g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 36g

Benefits: Cheese adds creaminess and a rich, savory flavor to the soup. It is a good source of calcium and protein, supporting bone health and providing satiety. Moderation is key due to the higher fat content.

Remember, these values are estimates, and actual nutritional content may vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.