2 slices of bread (your choice: sourdough, whole wheat, or white)
2 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or your favorite)
1-2 tbsp butter
Tomato Soup Ingredients:
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh basil
1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
Instructions:
Prepare the Tomato Soup:
Sauté aromatics: In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes.
Blend (optional): If you prefer a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. If using heavy cream or coconut milk, stir it in just before serving.
Prepare the Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
Heat the pan: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp of butter.
Assemble the sandwich: Place one slice of bread in the skillet, layer with cheese, and top with the second slice of bread.
Cook the sandwich: Grill for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then carefully flip and grill the other side until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. Add more butter to the skillet if needed.
Serve:
Cut the grilled cheese sandwich in half and serve it alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup. Enjoy dipping the sandwich into the soup!
Tips:
For extra flavor, add slices of tomato or avocado to the grilled cheese.
Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist, such as mozzarella or gouda.