Classic Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

Warm up your soul with this classic tomato basil soup paired perfectly with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. A comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for chilly days!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) whole tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 slices bread
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• Butter for grilling

Instructions:

• In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
• Add tomatoes and vegetable broth, bring to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes.
• Stir in basil leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and blend until smooth.
• For the grilled cheese, butter one side of each slice of bread. Place cheese slices between bread, butter side out.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill sandwiches until golden and cheese is melted.
• Serve soup hot with grilled cheese sandwiches on the side. Enjoy!

Popular questions:

• Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.

• Q: Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

A: Yes, you can substitute with chicken broth for a different flavor profile.

• Q: Can I freeze the soup?

A: Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to three months. Just reheat before serving.

• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese for the grilled cheese?

A: Feel free to use your favorite cheese for the grilled cheese sandwich.

• Q: Do I need to remove the basil stems?

A: It’s best to use only the basil leaves for blending to avoid a stringy texture.

Helpful tips:

• Add a pinch of sugar to the soup to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to the soup.
• Grill the sandwiches with a mix of different cheeses for a more complex flavor.
• Use thick slices of bread for a heartier grilled cheese sandwich.

Expert Secrets:

• Simmer the soup low and slow to develop a richer flavor.
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
• Don’t skip the step of blending the soup for a smooth texture.
• Allow the grilled cheese sandwiches to rest for a minute before cutting for a perfectly melted cheese.
• Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme for a variation on the soup.