Description
A comforting and flavorful tomato soup paired with cheesy onion toasts, perfect for a cozy meal. The soup is rich and creamy with a hint of herbs, while the toasted bread topped with sharp cheddar and sweet onions adds a delicious melty contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried basil or thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creaminess)
For the Toast:
- 4 slices crusty bread (sourdough or country loaf)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Base: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and translucent, creating a flavorful base.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, which deepens the flavor of the soup.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, and dried herbs. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
- Season and Cream: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. For a creamy texture, stir in heavy cream or milk. Optionally, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Prepare Toasts: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven broiler. Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and optionally spread lightly with butter for extra richness.
- Add Cheese and Onion: Top each bread slice with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and thinly sliced red onion slices for a flavorful topping.
- Broil Toasts: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, watching closely until the cheese melts, bubbles, and the edges of the bread turn golden and toasted.
- Serve: Ladle the hot tomato soup into bowls and serve with the cheese and onion toasts on the side or for dipping.
Notes
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the soup for a spicy kick.
- Mix different cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for a melty, complex cheese blend on the toast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
