Classic Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Onion (1 medium, chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Fresh tomatoes (4 cups, diced)
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
• Vegetable broth (4 cups)
• Sugar (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Butter (4 tablespoons, divided)
• Bread (4 slices (your choice of type))
• Cheddar cheese (8 ounces, sliced)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, carefully puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to avoid splatter.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. For the grilled cheese, preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
8. Spread 2 tablespoons of butter on one side of each slice of bread.
9. Place a slice of cheddar cheese between two slices of bread, ensuring the buttered sides are facing outwards.
10. Grill the sandwich on the skillet or griddle until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining bread and cheese slices.
11. Serve the tomato soup hot, with the grilled cheese sandwich on the side, cut into halves or quarters for easy dipping.