Description
A comforting and classic American meal featuring a rich and creamy tomato soup paired perfectly with a golden, melty grilled cheese sandwich. This easy stovetop recipe combines simple ingredients for a delicious, satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- 8 slices sandwich bread
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or softened butter (for bread)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, stir well, and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Blend the Soup: Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or carefully blend in batches in a regular blender.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in heavy cream and butter. Return the pot to low heat and warm through, but do not boil to keep the cream from curdling.
- Prepare the Sandwiches: Spread mayonnaise or butter on the outsides of each bread slice. Layer cheddar cheese between two slices, ensuring the buttered sides face outwards.
- Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted completely.
- Serve: Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches in half and serve alongside the hot creamy tomato soup for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a pinch of smoked paprika for added depth of flavor.
- Use any melty cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or Swiss, for variation.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- For a vegan option, use vegan butter, plant-based cream, and vegan cheese alternatives.
