Cozy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese -

Cozy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

Warm up this autumn with a comforting bowl of tomato basil soup paired with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich. This beloved dish offers a delightful blend of fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil, creating a rich and creamy experience. Learn about the essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make the perfect soup and sandwich combo that resonates with flavor and nostalgia. Whether for a gloomy day or a cozy night in, this classic meal nourishes both body and soul.

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Ingredients

For the Tomato Basil Soup:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 large carrot, diced into small pieces

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarians)

1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balancing acidity)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed and roughly chopped

1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan alternative)

For the Grilled Cheese:

8 slices of sourdough or whole grain bread

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced (or your cheese of choice)

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or a sprinkle of dried herbs for extra flavor

Instructions

For the Tomato Basil Soup:

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.

Incorporate the minced garlic and diced carrot into the pot and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until aromatic and the carrot starts to soften.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. If desired, add the teaspoon of sugar to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.

Raise the heat slightly until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, cover the pot and let the soup cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

After the soup has thicken slightly, stir in the chopped basil leaves and heavy cream. Allow to simmer for an additional 5 minutes before removing from heat.

For a velvety texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

For the Grilled Cheese:

Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. While the skillet heats, evenly butter one side of each slice of bread.

Arrange 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on the skillet. Layer with slices of cheese until each piece is generously covered.

Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.

Carefully flip each sandwich using a spatula, cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the opposite side is also golden and crispy.

For an enhanced flavor, feel free to sprinkle garlic powder or dried herbs on the bread before grilling, if desired.

To Serve:

Ladle the warm Tomato Basil Soup into deep bowls and serve alongside the crispy Grilled Cheese sandwiches. For an elegant touch, garnish the soup with additional fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. This classic pair offers a delightful blend of comfort and flavor; perfect for any occasion!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4