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Creating the perfect Cozy Tomato Basil Bliss is a delightful journey filled with vibrant flavors and comforting aromas. This recipe features a rich, hearty tomato basil soup paired with a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich, ensuring a meal that warms both the heart and soul. Let’s dive into the cooking process, emphasizing clarity and ease of understanding throughout each step.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

Experience the ultimate comfort food with Cozy Tomato Basil Bliss, a heartwarming recipe that combines rich, velvety tomato basil soup with a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich. Perfect for chilly evenings or stressful days, this dish is easy to make and brings nostalgic warmth to the dining table. With fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil, every bite offers a symphony of delicious flavors. Embrace the joy of cooking and let this delightful meal warm your soul.
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Ingredients
  

For the Tomato Basil Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor

For the Grilled Cheese:

4 slices of sourdough or whole grain bread

4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese variety)

2 tablespoons butter, softened

Optional: 1 tablespoon pesto to spread inside the sandwich for added flavor

Instructions
 

Making the Tomato Basil Soup:

    - In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

      - Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, then add the sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, which will help meld the flavors beautifully.

        - Once simmered, remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth in texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a traditional blender and blend until smooth.

          - Return the pureed soup to low heat, and stir in the heavy cream and freshly chopped basil. If using balsamic vinegar, add it at this stage. Heat the soup just until warmed through, ensuring not to let it boil. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

            Making the Grilled Cheese:

              - Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. While the skillet heats, spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. In the skillet, place two slices of bread buttered side down, and layer a slice of cheddar on each. If you're opting for pesto, spread it on the non-buttered side before layering additional cheese on top.

                - Now, top each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side facing up. Grill the sandwiches until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, about 3-4 minutes. Flip carefully and grill the second side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.

                  - Once done, remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them diagonally for serving, and set aside.

                    Serving:

                      - Ladle the creamy tomato basil soup into warm bowls, and serve it alongside the grilled cheese sandwiches. For an extra pop of color, garnish with fresh basil leaves on top of the soup before serving.

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