Frederic Melton
There are many ways to elevate the classic combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup. For the soup, you can add roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and stock to a pot, then season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. You can also add cream, honey, and grated parmesan cheese. For the grilled cheese, try mixing mozzarella with cheddar, or using Colby jack and unexpected cheddar. You can also add prosciutto ham to your sandwich for a heartier option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soup Base | Canned or fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, oregano, basil, sugar, balsamic vinegar |
| Thickening Agents | Cream, corn starch, potatoes |
| Extras | Honey, Parmesan cheese, croutons |
| Grilled Cheese Type | Thick-sliced sourdough bread, Colby Jack, Unexpected Cheddar, butter |
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What You'll Learn
Spices and herbs: dried oregano, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
Dried oregano, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes are all great additions to tomato soup. These spices and herbs enhance the flavour of the soup and can give it a brighter, more aromatic finish.
Dried oregano is a great way to add an earthy, almost-bitter flavour to your soup. It is a staple in many Italian dishes and is a perfect addition to tomato-based recipes. Adding a teaspoon of dried oregano to your soup can reinforce the fresh, homemade flavours.
Fresh basil is another excellent herb to include in your tomato soup. Basil is known for its bright, fresh flavour and aroma, and it pairs exceptionally well with tomatoes. Adding a few basil leaves to your soup, or even tearing them with your hands to release their fragrance, can elevate your soup's taste and make it more refreshing.
Salt is a crucial ingredient in cooking, and it plays a vital role in enhancing the flavours in your tomato soup. Adding a teaspoon or two of salt to your soup will bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and balance all the other flavours.
Pepper is another essential spice that can add a subtle kick of heat and a complex, earthy flavour to your soup. You can use freshly cracked pepper or ground pepper, adjusting the amount to your preference.
Red pepper flakes, or crushed red pepper, can also be used to add a mild spiciness to your soup. If you want to introduce some heat to your recipe, a small amount of red pepper flakes, about a quarter of a teaspoon, can make a noticeable difference.
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Sweeteners: honey or sugar
Sweeteners like honey or sugar can be added to tomato soup to balance out the flavours and reduce the acidity of the tomatoes. Honey is a natural sweetener and can be added to the soup in one tablespoon. Alternatively, sugar can be added in a similar quantity to balance the flavours.
Sugar is often added to the soup at the same time as the tomatoes and stock. It is cooked with the other ingredients, helping to create a rich flavour. Sugar can be added to the soup in quantities of one tablespoon or one teaspoon, depending on taste.
Honey, on the other hand, is often added to the soup after the tomatoes have been roasted and blended. It is stirred in with the other seasonings and spices, such as salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Both honey and sugar can be used to enhance the sweetness of the soup and create a more balanced flavour profile. The choice between the two comes down to personal preference, as well as the other ingredients being used. For example, honey pairs well with other spices and herbs, like oregano and red pepper flakes, creating a more complex flavour. Sugar, on the other hand, can help to enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, especially when paired with salt.
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Dairy: butter, cream, and milk or coconut milk
Dairy products like butter, cream, and milk can add richness and flavour to your tomato soup. Butter is a key ingredient in grilled cheese sandwiches, but it can also be added to the soup itself. Start by sautéing your onions and garlic in butter to create a savoury base layer of flavour. You can also finish your soup with a swirl of butter to add a decadent touch.
Cream is another popular addition to tomato soup. It can be stirred in at the end of cooking to make the soup extra creamy and rich. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can simply add a swirl of cream on top of the soup as a garnish. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk can be used in place of cream to add a similar creamy texture to the soup.
Milk is another dairy product that can be added to tomato soup. It provides a similar creamy texture to cream but with a lighter flavour. Milk can be added at the beginning of the cooking process, along with the tomatoes and broth, to create a cohesive and creamy base for your soup.
In addition to these dairy products, cheese is often added to tomato soup as a garnish. Grated Parmesan cheese can be stirred into the soup at the end of cooking to add a salty, umami flavour and a creamy texture. You can also sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the soup just before serving for a melty, gooey touch.
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Meat: prosciutto ham
Prosciutto ham is a great way to make your grilled cheese sandwich a little heartier. This is an optional topping, but it is a great addition to the classic comfort food combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup.
To make the sandwich, add butter to a large pan over low heat and place the bread into the pan. Cook the bread for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, then flip it over and add the toppings. Spread fig jam on the toasted side of the bread, then add cheese and prosciutto. Cook for another 1.5 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
For the soup, add butter to a large pot over medium-low heat and add diced yellow onions. Cook for 5-6 minutes, then add sugar and continue to cook for another 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are browned. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Pour in the tomatoes and chicken stock and cook for 5-6 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar and stir. Puree the mixture with basil leaves in a blender, then return the soup to the pot and add cream, salt, and pepper. Keep the soup warm until you are ready to serve.
This recipe is a great way to elevate the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup combination, and it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick and comforting weeknight meal.
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Bread: thick-sliced sourdough or Italian bread
For a hearty and comforting meal, thick-sliced sourdough or Italian bread is a great choice to serve with tomato soup. These types of bread have a sturdy texture that can hold up to the heartiness of the soup without becoming soggy.
To prepare the grilled cheese sandwiches, start by selecting your preferred type of cheese. A classic option is a combination of mozzarella and cheddar, but you can also experiment with other varieties such as Colby Jack, Unexpected Cheddar, American cheese Kraft singles, Parmesan cheese, or sharp cheddar. Get creative and make your own cheese blend! It is recommended to use a hearty, crusty bread like sourdough or Italian bread for that perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
Once you have your cheese and bread, it's time to assemble the sandwiches. Spread butter generously on the outside of the bread slices, ensuring that the bread will grill up nicely and become crispy. You can also spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside of the bread, which will add a unique flavour as it heats up with the cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try using mayonnaise instead of butter for a different taste sensation.
After assembling the sandwiches, it's time to cook them. Heat a large skillet or fry pan over medium heat and place the sandwiches butter-side down. As they cook, spread more butter on the top of the bread for an even crispier result. Cook the sandwiches until they are golden brown on both sides, which should take around 2-4 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn!
Finally, serve your grilled cheese sandwiches alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup. For an extra indulgent touch, dip each bite of the sandwich into the soup for a truly comforting and satisfying dining experience. Enjoy your delicious meal!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need bread, butter, and cheese. You can use any type of bread and butter, but thick-sliced bread is recommended. For the cheese, melty cheese works best, such as Colby Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of melting cheeses.
First, butter one side of each slice of bread. Then, place the desired amount of cheese on the non-buttered side of the bread. Finally, cook the sandwich in a pan over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
You can add toppings such as prosciutto ham, fig jam, or even a spread of mayonnaise on the inside of the bread.
