Quick and Cheap Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

Introduction

Welcome to this delicious recipe for quick and cheap creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese! This classic combination of soup and sandwich is a comfort food favorite for many. In this article, I will guide you through the steps to make this hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner. Let's get started!

Ingredients

For the creamy tomato soup, you will need:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the grilled cheese sandwiches, you will need:

  • 8 slices of bread
  • 8 slices of cheddar or American cheese
  • Butter for spreading

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Creamy Tomato Soup

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes.

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the hot soup to a regular blender, blend it in batches, and then return it to the pot.

Stir in the heavy cream and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the soup warm while you prepare the grilled cheese sandwiches.

Step 2: Make the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, butter one side of each slice of bread.

Place a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of four slices of bread. Top with the remaining four slices of bread, buttered side out.

Once the skillet is hot, place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before cutting them in half.

Serving

To serve, ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls and serve alongside the grilled cheese sandwiches. Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal!

Conclusion

This quick and cheap creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese is a crowd-pleasing dish that is simple to make and oh-so delicious. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner at home or a comforting lunch on a cold day, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Try it out and let me know what you think!