Tomato Basil Soup and Grilled Cheese (30 Minutes)

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Tomato soup and grilled cheese is a classic combination that never fails to satisfy. The rich and velvety tomato soup, infused with the aromatic flavors of fresh basil, pairs perfectly with a crispy and gooey grilled cheese sandwich. This dish is simplicity at its finest and evokes a sense of nostalgia in almost everyone. Let’s begin!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the soup:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces (800g) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the sandwich:

  • 4 slices bread (your choice of bread)
  • Butter, softened
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese or any melty cheese of your preference

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the chopped basil leaves and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  3. While the soup is simmering, prepare the grilled cheese sandwiches. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of two bread slices and top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
  4. Carefully place the sandwiches in the heated skillet or griddle. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  5. Once the soup has finished simmering, remove it from the heat and use an immersion blender or a countertop blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.

Notes

Use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for the soup. San Marzano tomatoes are known for their excellent flavor and are often preferred for tomato-based recipes. Adjust the consistency of the soup to your liking. If you prefer a thinner soup, add a bit more vegetable broth. For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or simmer it for a little longer to allow the liquid to evaporate slightly. Experiment with different cheeses for the grilled cheese sandwich. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere all work well and add their unique flavors. Add extra toppings or ingredients to your grilled cheese for added texture and flavor. Sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, or crispy bacon can take your sandwich to the next level. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

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