Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

 



This comforting tomato basil soup paired with a classic grilled cheese sandwich makes for a perfect meal. Here’s how to make both!


#### Tomato Basil Soup


**Ingredients:**

- **Olive Oil**: 2 tablespoons

- **Onion**: 1 medium, chopped

- **Garlic**: 3 cloves, minced

- **Canned Diced Tomatoes**: 2 (14.5 oz) cans or 2 ½ pounds fresh tomatoes, chopped

- **Vegetable Broth**: 3 cups

- **Fresh Basil Leaves**: 1 cup, chopped (plus more for garnish)

- **Sugar**: 1 teaspoon (to balance acidity)

- **Salt and Pepper**: to taste

- **Heavy Cream**: ½ cup (optional for creaminess)


**Instructions:**

1. **Sauté Aromatics**:

   - In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about **5 minutes**, until softened.

   - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.


2. **Add Tomatoes and Broth**:

   - Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil.


3. **Simmer**:

   - Reduce heat and let it simmer for about **20 minutes**. This allows the flavors to meld.


4. **Blend the Soup**:

   - Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a blender, then return it to the pot.


5. **Finish with Basil and Cream**:

   - Stir in the chopped basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. If using, add heavy cream and stir until combined. Heat through.


6. **Serve**:

   - Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional basil if desired.


#### Grilled Cheese Sandwich


**Ingredients:**

- **Bread**: 4 slices (your choice, such as sourdough or whole wheat)

- **Cheese**: 4 slices (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese)

- **Butter**: 2 tablespoons


**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Sandwiches**:

   - Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place cheese between two slices of bread, buttered sides out.


2. **Grill Sandwiches**:

   - Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sandwiches and cook until golden brown on one side, about **3–4 minutes**.

   - Flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is melted.


3. **Serve with Soup**:

   - Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches in half and serve alongside the tomato basil soup.


Enjoy this comforting combination of tomato basil soup and grilled cheese for a delightful meal!


Citations:

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W88m7LKFR9s

[2] https://www.loveandlemons.com/tomato-basil-soup-recipe/

[3] https://therecipecritic.com/tomato-basil-soup/

[4] https://www.themediterraneandish.com/vegan-roasted-tomato-basil-soup/

[5] https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/creamy-tomato-basil-parmesan-soup/

[6] https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/homemade-roasted-tomato-basil-soup/

[7] https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/vegetable-fried-rice-indian-style/

[8] https://mygoodnesskitchen.com/walk-away-chickpea-tomato-and-spinach-curry-vegan/

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