Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

To truly elevate your Tomato Basil Bliss, adding heavy cream introduces a luxurious richness that transforms the soup from a simple dish into a comforting masterpiece. The cream not only enriches the texture but also balances the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a velvety soup that warms your soul.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Tomato Basil Bliss and Crunchy Cheese Delight recipe! This heartwarming duo features a creamy tomato basil soup paired with perfectly grilled cheese sandwiches, creating a nostalgic and satisfying meal. Let fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil shine as you blend them into a velvety soup. With tips on cheese selection and grilling techniques, this dish is perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors that will warm your heart!

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Ingredients

For the Creamy Tomato Basil Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes (with juice)

2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (reserve a few leaves for garnish)

For the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:

4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or whole grain recommended)

4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese (or any cheese you prefer)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)

Instructions

Prepare the Soup:

- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.

- Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, sugar, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are combined.

- Increase the heat until the mixture reaches a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer uncovered for approximately 20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Blend and Finish the Soup:

- After simmering, remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. (Alternatively, you can blend the soup in batches using a countertop blender—just be cautious as the liquid is hot!)

- Return the blended soup to medium heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to warm through for about 5 more minutes, stirring gently.

- Before serving, fold in the freshly chopped basil and taste the soup to adjust seasoning if needed. For an enhanced flavor experience, consider chilling the soup slightly before serving.

Make the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:

- While the soup is simmering, begin assembling your grilled cheese sandwiches. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.

- Butter one side of each slice of bread generously. Place two slices of bread in the skillet with the buttered side facing down. On top of each piece of bread, layer the cheddar cheese, then cover with the remaining slices of bread (buttered side facing up).

- Cook the sandwiches until the bottom is a golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwiches over to grill the other side until golden and the cheese has melted, which should take another 3-4 minutes.

Serve:

- Ladle the creamy tomato basil soup into deep bowls. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.

- Slice the grilled cheese sandwiches into halves or quarters and serve them alongside the soup for delicious dipping. Enjoy this comforting and cozy meal!

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