Name: Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1½ kg (3 lbs) ripe, seasonal tomatoes (or whole canned tomatoes, San Marzano or any good quality Italian tomatoes); 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 2 red onions, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; ½ cup fresh basil leaves (whole leaves, not chopped); 2 tsp tomato paste; 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth; ½ cup cream; Salt & black pepper to taste; Fresh basil for serving; 2 slices bread per person (16 slices for 8 servings); 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese; 2 cups grated mature cheddar cheese; Butter for spreading on bread

Description

This comforting Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese recipe combines rich, roasted tomatoes with aromatic herbs and creamy texture for a delicious, cozy meal. Perfectly paired with golden, melty grilled cheese sandwiches, it’s a classic dish that’s simple to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tomato Soup

1½ kg (3 lbs) ripe, seasonal tomatoes (or whole canned tomatoes, San Marzano or any good quality Italian tomatoes)
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 red onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
½ cup fresh basil leaves (whole leaves, not chopped)
2 tsp tomato paste
8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
½ cup cream
Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh basil for serving

For the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

2 slices bread per person (16 slices for 8 servings)
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
2 cups grated mature cheddar cheese
Butter for spreading on bread

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes.
Roast the Tomatoes: Place the tomatoes in a roasting tray with the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and salt. Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the tomatoes are caramelized and soft, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, sauté the finely chopped onions over medium heat until they become translucent. Add the garlic and cook briefly to release their aroma, taking care not to burn.
Add Ingredients to the Pot: Add the fresh basil leaves (whole), roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Blend the Soup: Remove the pot from heat and carefully blend the soup until smooth, using a blender or immersion blender. Return to the pot if needed.
Add Cream and Season: Stir in the cream to add richness and season the soup with salt and black pepper according to taste.
Prepare Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Butter the bread slices on one side. On the unbuttered side, layer grated mozzarella and mature cheddar cheese. Assemble the sandwiches by placing cheese between two slices with the buttered sides facing out.
Cook the Grilled Cheese: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted inside, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Serve: Ladle the tomato soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot paired with the grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping and eating alongside.

Notes

You can substitute the cream with a non-dairy option for a lighter or dairy-free soup.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic.
The soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
Use good quality bread for grilled cheese to get a crispier, more delicious sandwich.
Adjust the thickness of the soup by varying the amount of broth used according to your preference.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Soup and Sandwich
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Italian