Description of this Recipe
This isn’t your average tomato soup. We’re talking a rich, flavorful, and incredibly comforting tomato soup elevated with the delightful crunch and cheesy goodness of homemade grilled cheese croutons. Imagine a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup, perfectly seasoned and infused with the subtle aroma of saffron, punctuated by golden, buttery, Gruyère-laden croutons. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. This recipe takes the classic tomato soup and grilled cheese pairing to a whole new level, offering a sophisticated yet approachable dish perfect for a cozy night in or a casual lunch with friends.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will absolutely adore this recipe because it’s:
- Effortlessly Delicious: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. The soup itself is easy to make, relying on high-quality canned tomatoes, flavorful chicken stock, and a touch of saffron for an extra layer of complexity.
- Comfort Food Reinvented: We all love tomato soup and grilled cheese, but this recipe takes that classic combination and elevates it to something truly special. The grilled cheese croutons add a playful and delicious twist.
- Perfectly Balanced: The creamy, slightly tangy soup is perfectly complemented by the crispy, buttery, and cheesy croutons. It’s a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that keeps you coming back for more.
- Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily customize to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for the croutons, add a swirl of pesto to the soup, or even incorporate roasted vegetables for added depth of flavor.
- Surprisingly Impressive: Despite its simplicity, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It’s a great dish to serve to guests, showcasing your culinary creativity without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 3 tablespoons good olive oil
- 3 cups yellow onions, chopped (about 2 medium onions)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 4 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
- Large pinch of saffron threads
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:
- 4 slices country white bread (1/2-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated
Preparation:
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to achieve a beautiful golden brown color and soften the onions completely. This slow cooking process is crucial for developing a deep, sweet flavor that forms the foundation of the soup. Be patient and avoid rushing this step, as it makes a significant difference in the final taste.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Aromatics
Once the onions are golden brown and softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. This brief cooking time allows the garlic to release its aromatic oils, infusing the soup with its characteristic pungent flavor.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken stock, add the crushed tomatoes, saffron threads, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The saffron threads will slowly release their vibrant color and subtle flavor into the soup, adding a touch of luxury.
Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors
Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This simmering process is essential for creating a rich and complex flavor profile. The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors will develop and deepen.
Step 5: Cook the Orzo
While the soup is simmering, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 7 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the orzo well and set aside. Cooking the orzo separately prevents it from absorbing too much liquid from the soup and becoming mushy.
Step 6: Add Orzo and Cream
Add the cooked orzo to the simmering soup, stir in the heavy cream, and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently. The orzo will plump up slightly and absorb some of the soup’s flavor. The heavy cream adds a luxurious richness and velvety texture to the soup.
Step 7: Prepare the Grilled Cheese Croutons
While the soup is finishing, prepare the grilled cheese croutons. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush one side of each slice of bread with melted butter.
Step 8: Assemble and Cook the Croutons
Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in the preheated skillet. Top each slice with half of the grated Gruyère cheese. Place the remaining slices of bread on top of the cheese, butter-side up.
Step 9: Grill to Golden Perfection
Cook the grilled cheese sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Keep a close eye on the croutons to prevent burning.
Step 10: Cut into Croutons
Remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool slightly on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut each sandwich into bite-sized croutons.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the tomato soup into bowls and top with the grilled cheese croutons. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this soup as a starter for a dinner party.
- Enjoy it as a comforting lunch on a chilly day.
- Pair it with a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Garnish with fresh basil or a swirl of pesto for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of the soup. Opt for San Marzano crushed tomatoes, homemade chicken stock (if possible), and good-quality Gruyère cheese.
- Don’t skip the saffron: Saffron adds a unique flavor and aroma that elevates the soup. A little goes a long way, so a small pinch is all you need.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Taste the soup as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock to make this recipe vegetarian.
- Get creative with the cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for the croutons. Cheddar, Swiss, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.
- Make it ahead: The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The grilled cheese croutons are best served fresh, but you can prepare the sandwiches ahead of time and grill them just before serving.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Estimated, per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
This Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food pairing. The rich, flavorful soup, infused with the subtle aroma of saffron, is perfectly complemented by the crispy, buttery, and cheesy croutons. It’s a surprisingly easy recipe to make, yet it’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a sophisticated starter for a dinner party, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the customizable nature of the recipe allows you to tailor it to your own preferences. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a truly exceptional bowl of tomato soup.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
Q1: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken stock. All the other ingredients are already vegetarian-friendly. You could even add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the flavor and add some extra nutrients.
Q2: I don’t have Gruyère cheese. What else can I use for the croutons?
A: While Gruyère cheese adds a wonderfully nutty and slightly tangy flavor to the croutons, you can definitely substitute it with other cheeses. Some great alternatives include:
- Cheddar: Provides a classic, familiar cheesy flavor.
- Swiss: Offers a mild, slightly sweet taste.
- Monterey Jack: Melts beautifully and has a creamy texture.
- Provolone: A slightly sharper flavor that pairs well with tomato soup.
- A blend of cheeses: Experiment with combining different cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
Q3: Can I make the soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make the soup ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often develop and deepen even more when the soup sits for a while. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. It’s best to make the grilled cheese croutons fresh, but you can prepare the sandwiches ahead of time and grill them just before serving.
Q4: I don’t have orzo pasta. Can I use another type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute orzo pasta with other small pasta shapes. Some good alternatives include:
- Ditalini: Small, tube-shaped pasta that works well in soups.
- Acini di pepe: Tiny, round pasta that adds a delicate texture to the soup.
- Small shells: Another good option for adding texture and interest to the soup.
- You can even use broken pieces of spaghetti or other long pasta.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you use.
Q5: Can I add any other vegetables to the soup?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables to the soup is a great way to boost its nutritional value and add even more flavor. Some vegetables that would pair well with tomato soup include:
- Roasted red bell peppers: Add a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Zucchini: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture.
- Carrots: Provide a subtle sweetness and a vibrant color.
- Celery: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
- Spinach or kale: Adds a boost of vitamins and minerals.
You can roast the vegetables before adding them to the soup for a deeper, more complex flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
