Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons: Elevated Comfort Food
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Creamy Tomato Soup, a velvety smooth blend of rich tomato flavor, subtly sweet and delightfully tangy. Toasted grilled cheese croutons add a playful crunch and cheesy indulgence to every spoonful. Perfect for a cozy night in or a satisfying lunch, this heartwarming soup is a simple yet elegant way to elevate a classic. This #tomatosoup recipe from FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com is the perfect blend of simple and sophisticated.
Why This Recipe Works
- Velvety Smooth Texture: The soup is blended to perfection for ultimate creaminess.
- Balanced Flavors: Sweetness and tanginess perfectly complement the rich tomato flavor.
- Textural Delight: The crunchy grilled cheese croutons provide a fantastic contrast to the smooth soup.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and comes together quickly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy it as a cozy weeknight meal or a sophisticated lunch.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Tomato Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 700g (24 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 400ml (1 1/2 cups) vegetable broth
- 100ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:
- 2 slices of bread (sourdough or your favorite)
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- 25g (1 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Simmer Soup: Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, heavy cream (or coconut milk), sugar, and basil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Blend Soup: Carefully blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
- Season Soup: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make Grilled Cheese Croutons: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Place butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle cheese over one slice, top with the other slice (butter-side up). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Cut Croutons: Let cool slightly, then cut into cubes.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, top with grilled cheese croutons.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Roasted Tomatoes: Roasting tomatoes before adding them to the soup adds a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or mozzarella.
- Bread Variations: Use different types of bread for varied textures.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions
This #souprecipe is a complete meal on its own but can also be served with a side salad.
More Comforting Soup Recipes
For more warming and satisfying soup recipes, visit FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com. We have a wide array of comforting and flavorful options to explore!