Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast

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Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast. This classic pairing brings together a rich, creamy tomato soup with crispy, cheesy, onion-infused toast for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast

Ingredients:

For the Tomato Soup:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or 5-6 fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
For the Cheese and Onion Toast:
  • 4 slices of crusty bread (like sourdough or baguette)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Tomato Soup:

  1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
    • Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
    • Add the crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes), vegetable broth, and tomato paste to the pan. Stir well to combine.
  3. Season the Soup:
    • Add the sugar (if using), dried basil, dried thyme, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Blend the Soup:
    • Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, then return it to the pan.
  5. Add the Cream:
    • Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
  6. Keep Warm:
    • Keep the soup warm on low heat while you prepare the cheese and onion toast.

Prepare the Cheese and Onion Toast:

  1. Caramelize the Onions:
    • In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Toast the Bread:
    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush them with the remaining butter on both sides. Toast in the oven for about 5 minutes or until golden and slightly crispy.
  3. Assemble the Toast:
    • Remove the bread from the oven and top each slice with a generous amount of caramelized onions and shredded cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. Garnish the Toast:
    • Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the cheese toast for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve:

  • Ladle the tomato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve the hot cheese and onion toast on the side or floating on top of the soup for a delicious and comforting combination.

Variations:

  1. Add More Vegetables:
    • Add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the soup for additional flavor and nutrients.
  2. Spicy Tomato Soup:
    • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  3. Herb-Infused Soup:
    • Use fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary for an aromatic twist.

Benefits:

  • Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants like lycopene, which help fight inflammation and protect cells.
  • Good Source of Vitamins: This soup provides vitamins A and C, essential for immune function and skin health.
  • Comforting and Satisfying: The warm, creamy soup paired with cheesy toast offers a comforting meal perfect for cooler days or whenever you crave something cozy.

Tips for the Perfect Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast:

  1. Balance the Acidity:
    • If the tomatoes are too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
  2. Use Fresh Ingredients:
    • Fresh tomatoes and herbs can elevate the flavor profile of the soup.
  3. Perfect Caramelized Onions:
    • Cook the onions slowly over medium heat, stirring often, to achieve that sweet, caramelized flavor.

Conclusion:

Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast is a comforting classic that combines the tangy sweetness of tomato soup with the savory goodness of cheese and onion toast. It’s perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Enjoy it with a glass of white wine or a warm cup of tea for a delightful meal!

Would you like more soup recipes or tips on customizing this dish

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