When the craving for comfort strikes, there’s nothing quite like a warm and satisfying Veggie Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup. This delightful pairing combines the cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich with the rich and comforting flavors of tomato soup.
By adding a medley of vegetables to the grilled cheese, you’re taking this classic combo to a whole new level of deliciousness. In this article, we’ll guide you through creating this flavorful Veggie Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup step by step.
Ingredients
To create this comforting Veggie Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup, gather:
For the Veggie Grilled Cheese
8 slices whole-grain bread
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend)
1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Butter or margarine, for grilling
For the Tomato Soup
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Steps
Preparing the Veggie Grilled Cheese
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced zucchini, red bell pepper, and onion. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
Assembling the Grilled Cheese
On one slice of whole-grain bread, layer a portion of the sautéed vegetables and a generous amount of shredded cheese. Top with another slice of bread to create a sandwich.
Grilling the Sandwich
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread a thin layer of butter or margarine on the outside of each sandwich. Place the sandwiches on the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, flipping them once to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Preparing the Tomato Soup
In a soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Adding the Tomatoes
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable broth. Stir in the dried basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmering the Soup
Allow the tomato soup to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
Blending the Soup
Using an immersion blender or working in batches with a regular blender, carefully puree the soup until smooth and velvety.
Adding Creaminess
Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk to add richness and creaminess to the tomato soup.
Serving the Meal
Ladle the tomato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve the Veggie Grilled Cheese sandwiches alongside the soup for a comforting and delicious meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Veggie Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup is a heartwarming and satisfying meal that brings together the best of both worlds – cheesy goodness and velvety tomato comfort.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create a meal that’s perfect for cozy evenings or comforting lunches, combining the nostalgia of classic flavors with a burst of fresh vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for the grilled cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses or a cheese blend for the sandwiches.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes for the soup?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes if desired. Just make sure to peel and chop them before adding them to the soup.
Can I make the tomato soup ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the tomato soup in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
Can I use dairy-free options for the grilled cheese and soup?
Of course! Use dairy-free cheese for the sandwiches and coconut milk for the soup for a vegan-friendly option.
Can I add other vegetables to the grilled cheese or soup?
Absolutely! Customize the grilled cheese with your favorite veggies and add more vegetables to the soup if desired.