Tomato Basil Soup's Cheesy Partners: Finding The Perfect Match

There are many types of cheese that go well with tomato basil soup, such as parmesan, gouda, and cheddar. For a more indulgent option, grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic pairing.

Parmesan cheese

To make the perfect tomato basil soup with parmesan cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

• Butter
• Olive oil
• Flour (or gluten-free flour)
• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (or regular diced tomatoes)
• Basil (dried or fresh)
• Oregano (dried or fresh)
• Milk, half-and-half or heavy cream
• Salt and pepper
• Bay leaf

Start by mincing the vegetables (onion, garlic, carrot, and celery) in a food processor. Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot, then add the minced vegetables and sauté for a few minutes. Next, sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute. Whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the tomatoes and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Finally, add the parmesan cheese and whisk to blend. You can also add milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream for extra creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This soup can be served as-is for a chunkier texture, or pureed with an immersion blender or regular blender for a smoother consistency. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a green salad.

Tomato basil soup with parmesan cheese is a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for a cosy night in. Enjoy!

Grilled cheese sandwich

The perfect companion to a bowl of tomato basil soup is, of course, a grilled cheese sandwich. Here is a recipe for a grilled cheese sandwich that can be made to accompany the soup.

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 8 slices of sourdough bread
• 2 cups of gruyere cheese, shredded
• 2 cups of extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Method:

Place a griddle or non-stick pan on medium-low heat. Generously butter one side of each slice of bread. Once the pan is hot, place one slice of bread, butter-side down, onto the pan. Add a hefty handful of cheese to each slice and top with the other slice, butter-side up. After 2 minutes, or when the bottom slice is crisp and golden brown, gently flip the sandwich and cook for another 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Tips:

For a more intense flavour, try adding an onion puree to the sandwich. Simply caramelise some onions and blend them into a puree, which can then be spread onto the bread before adding the cheese.

Croutons

Ingredients:

• Bread of your choice (e.g. white country bread, French bread)
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning or dried herbs (optional)
• Salt

Instructions:

• Cut the bread into cubes or slices of your desired size.
• In a bowl, toss the bread cubes gently in olive oil, butter, Italian seasoning or dried herbs (optional), and salt until they are lightly coated.
• Spread the cubes in an even layer on a baking sheet.
• Bake in the oven at 375°F until golden and crispy, which should take about 15 minutes.
• Let the croutons cool for a few minutes before serving.

You can also make grilled cheese croutons by preparing grilled cheese sandwiches and cutting them into squares.

Basil

Fresh basil is added at the end of the cooking process in some recipes to preserve its fresh flavour. One recipe recommends garnishing the soup with fresh basil leaves. Basil can also be used as a garnish, with some recipes suggesting a chiffonade of basil – this is when basil leaves are cut into thin strips.

Oregano

When making tomato basil soup, dried oregano can be added at the same time as the dried basil, as they will need a similar amount of time to release their flavours. Fresh oregano, on the other hand, should be added towards the end of the cooking process, as its flavour is more delicate and can be overpowered by the other ingredients if added too early.

The amount of oregano used in tomato basil soup can vary depending on personal preference and the desired intensity of flavour. A good starting point is to use equal amounts of oregano and basil, as they work together to create a well-rounded, complex taste. However, some recipes may call for more or less oregano, depending on the other ingredients used and the desired flavour profile.

In addition to its flavour contributions, oregano also has several health benefits. It is known to be rich in antioxidants and has been linked to improved gut health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced cognitive function.

When shopping for oregano, it is important to look for fresh, bright green leaves that are free from wilting or discolouration. Dried oregano should be stored in a cool, dark place, while fresh oregano can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel, to help extend its shelf life.

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