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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Dippers

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A comforting and easy-to-make creamy tomato basil soup paired with crispy grilled cheese dippers, perfect for cozy nights and quick meals.

Ingredients

  • Fresh tomatoes (about 2 pounds / 900 g), ripe and juicy (Roma or vine-ripened work well)
  • Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons) for sautéing
  • Yellow onion, finely chopped (1 medium)
  • Garlic cloves (3), minced
  • Vegetable or chicken broth (4 cups / 950 ml), low sodium preferred
  • Fresh basil leaves (1 cup packed), roughly chopped
  • Heavy cream or half-and-half (1/2 cup / 120 ml)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of sugar
  • Sliced bread (8 slices), sturdy white or sourdough
  • Cheddar cheese (8 oz / 225 g), shredded or sliced
  • Butter (4 tablespoons), softened

Instructions

  1. Wash and quarter the tomatoes. Optionally peel by blanching in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shocking in ice water.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Add prepared tomatoes and 4 cups (950 ml) of broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook gently for about 25 minutes.
  4. Remove pot from heat and puree soup with an immersion blender until silky smooth. If using a countertop blender, blend in batches and return to pot.
  5. Stir in chopped basil leaves, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Add a pinch of sugar if needed. Warm over low heat for 5 minutes without boiling.
  6. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place four slices butter-side-down on a hot skillet over medium heat. Add cheddar cheese on each, then top with remaining bread slices, butter-side-up.
  7. Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted. Let cool for a minute and slice into strips.
  8. Serve soup in bowls with grilled cheese dippers alongside. Dip and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Use ripe fresh tomatoes or high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes if out of season. Add basil at the end to preserve aroma. Butter the outside of bread slices before grilling for crispy dippers. Cook grilled cheese on medium heat and cover briefly if cheese melts slowly. Soup can be made ahead and reheated gently. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut or cashew cream and use vegan butter and cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato basil soup, grilled cheese dippers, comfort food, easy soup recipe, quick dinner, cozy meal

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/creamy-tomato-basil-soup-recipe-with-crispy-grilled-cheese-dippers-easy-and-perfect/