Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Method

1. 1
   Sautéing

   Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add half of the softened butter and the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. The onion should be fragrant but not browned.

   ⏲ 5 min

2. 2
   Sautéing

   Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

   ⏲ 1 min

3. 3
   Simmering

   Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable stock, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The soup will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld.

   ⏲ 15 min

4. 4

   While the soup simmers, spread the remaining softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Place the grated cheddar cheese on the unbuttered side of two slices, then top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up, to form two sandwiches.

5. 5
   Pan-frying

   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, about 3 minutes. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even browning.

   ⏲ 3 min

6. 6
   Pan-frying

   Flip the sandwiches carefully and cook on the other side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, about 3 more minutes. The cheese should be gooey and slightly oozing from the edges.

   ⏲ 3 min

7. 7

   Once the soup has simmered, remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot.

8. 8
   Simmering

   Stir the heavy cream into the soup and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Warm gently over low heat for 2 minutes, but do not boil.

   ⏲ 2 min

9. 9

   Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches in half diagonally and serve with the hot tomato soup in bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.