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:
- 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.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
- Add the crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes), vegetable broth, and tomato paste to the pan. Stir well to combine.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Keep Warm:
- Keep the soup warm on low heat while you prepare the cheese and onion toast.
Prepare the Cheese and Onion Toast:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Add More Vegetables:
- Add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the soup for additional flavor and nutrients.
- Spicy Tomato Soup:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- 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:
- Balance the Acidity:
- If the tomatoes are too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Use Fresh Ingredients:
- Fresh tomatoes and herbs can elevate the flavor profile of the soup.
- 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