For many, tomato soup and grilled cheese conjure fond memories of coming in from the cold, enjoying a steaming bowl of tomato soup, and savoring a gooey, golden sandwich. The pairing is like a warm hug on a chilly day, and it’s a reminder of the simple pleasures that food can bring. While the classic recipe is a delight on its own, there’s always room for a dash of creativity to make it your own.
| Ingredients | Amount | AP Cost | Recipe Cost |
| Crushed Tomatoes | 1 Can, 28 oz | $2.00/can | $2.00 |
| Onion | 1 each | $0.75/each | $0.75 |
| Garlic | 2 Cloves | $0.5/bulb | $0.10 |
| Vegetable Broth | 2 Cups | $0.75/can | $0.75 |
| Sugar | 1 tsp | $1.50/lb | $0.05 |
| Olive Oil | 2 T | $8.00/bottle | $0.33 |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 C | $3.00/pint | $0.75 |
| Bread | 4 slices | $3.50/loaf | $0.75 |
| Cheddar Cheese | 2 slices | $6.00/lb | $0.75 |
| Swiss Cheese | 2 slices | $7.00/lb | $0.75 |
| Butter for Grilling | to taste | $3.00/lb | $0.25 |
| Total | $7.23 | ||
| Cost Per Serving | $1.81 |
Step-By-Step
Tomato Soup:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
The initial step of sautéing chopped onions in olive oil is the foundation of your tomato soup’s flavor. This process allows the onions to release their sweet and aromatic essence, which forms a base for the soup. The onions should turn soft and translucent, indicating they are ready to welcome the next ingredients.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it’s fragrant.
The addition of minced garlic amplifies the soup’s aroma and flavor. As the garlic sizzles in the pot, it infuses the onions and oil with its rich scent. Be cautious not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness; you’ll know it’s ready when it becomes fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and broth. Season with dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
The combination of crushed and diced tomatoes, along with the broth, creates a balanced and hearty tomato base. Dried basil, salt, and pepper enhance the flavors with herbal notes and a gentle kick of seasoning. The simmering stage allows the ingredients to meld, developing the rich and comforting taste that tomato soup is known for.
If you prefer a creamy tomato soup, stir in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
The addition of heavy cream is the key to transforming a regular tomato soup into a creamy delight. It contributes a luxurious, velvety texture that elevates the dish. Be sure to stir it gently to ensure it’s well incorporated and let it simmer a little longer to allow the flavors to harmonize.
Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
The pureeing step is where you decide on the soup’s texture. An immersion blender offers convenience, allowing you to blend the soup directly in the pot. For a smoother consistency, blend longer; for a chunkier version, blend briefly. If using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending and exercise caution to avoid hot splatters.
Serve the tomato soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Fresh basil leaves make for an appealing and aromatic garnish. They provide a burst of freshness and color to the soup, and their herbal notes complement the tomato flavor. Plus, they add a touch of elegance to your presentation.
Grilled Cheese:
Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Buttering the bread slices on one side is essential for creating the crispy, golden exterior of your grilled cheese. It also adds a rich, buttery flavor to each bite.
Place a slice of cheese between two slices of bread, with the buttered sides facing out.
The sandwich assembly begins with the cheese. Placing it between the slices of bread ensures that the cheese will melt evenly and meld with the bread during grilling. The buttered sides on the outside of the sandwich will crisp up beautifully when cooked.
In a skillet or griddle over medium heat, cook the sandwiches until they are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
The grilling step is where the magic happens. The heat transforms your sandwich into a gooey, crispy delight. The golden brown color is your visual cue that it’s ready. The cheese inside should be melted to perfection, creating a harmonious contrast of textures.
Remove from the heat and let them cool slightly.
As tempting as it is to dive right into your grilled cheese, giving it a moment to cool slightly is essential. It allows the cheese to set, ensuring that your first bite doesn’t result in a cheese lava flow.
The combination of these two recipes results in a classic, comforting meal that’s a feast for the senses. The creamy tomato soup is a warm hug in a bowl, and the grilled cheese is the perfect companion, offering a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors. Enjoy this timeless pairing and savor the heartwarming experience it brings to your table.
Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Hug
Description
Experience the heartwarming magic of tomato soup and grilled cheese—a match made in comfort food heaven. The velvety tomato soup and gooey grilled cheese sandwich are like old friends reuniting to bring joy to your college days.
Ingredients
Tomato Soup
Grilled Cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If desired, stir in heavy cream for added creaminess.
- Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of cream and fresh basil, if available.
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