Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup and Grilled Cheese

In the realm of comfort food, few dishes evoke as much warmth and nostalgia as a steaming bowl of tomato basil soup paired with a perfectly crisp grilled cheese sandwich. This combination transcends mere meal status; it embodies memories of childhood, family gatherings, and cozy evenings spent by the fireplace. The Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Bliss Soup & Crunchy Grilled Cheese recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your soul. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish is perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup and Grilled Cheese

Discover the ultimate comfort food duo with our Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Bliss Soup and Crunchy Grilled Cheese recipe. This nostalgic pairing brings warmth and joy, perfect for cozy nights or casual get-togethers. Dive into rich, flavorful tomato soup made with fresh ingredients and enjoy the delightful crunch of a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich. Learn step-by-step techniques to create this classic meal and transform your dining experience into something truly special.

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Ingredients

For the Creamy Tomato Basil Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan alternative)

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for a depth of flavor)

For the Grilled Cheese:

4 slices of bread (sourdough or your choice)

4 slices of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites)

2 tablespoons butter, softened

Optional: a sprinkle of garlic powder or dried herbs to enhance flavor

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

- In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, ensuring not to burn the garlic.

Add the Tomatoes:

- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. If you're using it, add the sugar along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for approximately 15-20 minutes to deepen the flavors, stirring occasionally.

Blend for Creaminess:

- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth for a creamy consistency (alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender). Return the blended soup to the pot.

Incorporate Cream & Flavor:

- Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream), chopped fresh basil, dried oregano, and balsamic vinegar if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to suit your preference. Heat the mixture over low heat for 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.

Prepare the Grilled Cheese:

- As the soup simmers, prepare the grilled cheese sandwiches. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. In a skillet over medium heat, place two slices of bread, butter-side-down. Layer each with two slices of your chosen cheese, then top with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side-up.

Cook Grilled Cheese:

- Cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. For an added flavor boost, you can sprinkle some garlic powder or dried herbs onto the buttered side of the bread before grilling.

Serve It Up:

- Ladle the creamy tomato basil soup into bowls and serve it hot, accompanied by grilled cheese sandwiches cut in half for easy dipping. For an extra touch, garnish the soup with additional fresh basil leaves.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | 4 servings