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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe Easy Homemade with Grilled Cheese Pairing Tips

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A rich and comforting creamy tomato basil soup made with fresh ingredients, perfect for pairing with a golden, melty grilled cheese sandwich. This easy homemade recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh tomatoes (about 900 grams), ripe and juicy
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth (720 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • For grilled cheese pairing:
  • 4 thick slices bread (sourdough or favorite sandwich bread)
  • 4 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 6 ounces cheese (sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix), shredded or sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tomatoes: Wash and roughly chop tomatoes into 1-inch chunks. Optionally peel by blanching in boiling water for 30 seconds and shocking in ice water.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in chopped tomatoes and broth. Stir and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
  4. Add basil and season: Stir in fresh basil leaves, salt, pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and sugar (if using). Simmer for 5 more minutes.
  5. Puree the soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, blend in batches, venting the lid slightly.
  6. Finish with cream: Stir in heavy cream and heat gently for 3-5 minutes without boiling. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Make grilled cheese sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese between two slices, buttered sides out. Grill in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cheese melts. Cut for serving.
  8. Serve warm: Ladle soup into bowls and serve with grilled cheese sandwiches. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a swirl of cream if desired.

Notes

Use fresh basil near the end of cooking for best flavor. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. Blend soup carefully to avoid steam burns. Temper cream by warming slightly before adding to prevent curdling. Adjust sugar to balance tomato acidity. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and use vegan cheese or skip grilled cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato basil soup, tomato soup, basil soup, grilled cheese pairing, easy soup recipe, homemade soup, comfort food

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/creamy-tomato-basil-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-with-grilled-cheese-pairing-tips/