There’s something about the classic combination of tomato soup and grilled cheese that brings back warm memories and creates new ones.
It’s a pairing that’s both nostalgic and timeless, perfect for any day that calls for a little comfort. Let’s dive into this beloved duo with a recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings and warm your soul.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 28 oz San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 white onion
- 2 shallots
- 1 lb sweet mini peppers
- 3 lbs Roma tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken stock, or vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ÂĽ cup heavy cream
- A bunch of fresh basil leaves, 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sourdough bread bowl
- Gouda Cheese and Monterey Jack for grilled cheese
- Compound butter to spread on the bread slices
Instructions
Start the Soup: In a heavy-bottomed pot (or Dutch oven), heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent – about 8 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic during the last minute to avoid burning.
Prepare for Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roast the Tomatoes: To the pot, add the San Marzano tomatoes, white onion, shallots, sweet mini peppers, and Roma tomatoes. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the pot to the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are browned and soft.
Simmer the Soup: Return the pot to the stove, add the chicken or vegetable stock, sugar, and dried herbs. Let it simmer and meld the flavors together.
Blend for Smoothness: Once the vegetables are tender, carefully transfer them to a blender. Blend until smooth, then return the soup to the pot.
Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl. Use the top of the bread to make a grilled cheese, slathered with compound butter and filled with Gouda and Monterey Jack cheese.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh Roma tomatoes?
Absolutely! While I love the depth of flavor that roasted fresh tomatoes bring, canned tomatoes can be a great time-saver and still yield delicious results.
What’s the best cheese for the grilled cheese?
I’ve found that a combination of Gouda and Monterey Jack melts beautifully and complements the tangy tomato soup. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, though!
How can I achieve a creamy texture without heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try blending in some cooked white beans or a splash of coconut milk for creaminess without the dairy
Tomato Soup and Sourdough Grilled Cheese
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Oven
- Blender
Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 large yellow onion sliced
- 28 oz San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 white onion
- 2 shallots
- 1 lb sweet mini peppers
- 3 lbs Roma tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ÂĽ cup heavy cream
- Bunch of fresh basil leaves
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Sourdough bread bowl
- Gouda Cheese and Monterey Jack for grilled cheese
- Compound butter to spread on the bread slices
Instructions
- In a heavy bottomed pot (or Dutch oven), heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring as needed, until translucent – about 8 minutes, add garlic at the same time.
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Add San Marzano peeled tomatoes, seasonings, sliced Roma tomatoes, and peppers to the Dutch oven and sprinkle with olive oil.
- Bake for 40 minutes until tomatoes are brown and soft.
- Continue with hot chicken stock and sugar.
- Check the flavor and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Carefully transfer vegetables to the blender and blend until there are no large chunks left.
- Serve in a sourdough bread bowl and make a grilled cheese from the top of the bread.
Post-Cooking FAQs
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Can I freeze the tomato soup?
A: Yes, the soup freezes well. Just omit the cream before freezing, and add it when reheating.
Q: My soup is too acidic, what can I do?
A: A pinch of baking soda can neutralize excess acidity. Add it sparingly, though, as it can quickly alter the flavor.
Leave a Reply