Ingredients
Scale
For the Roasted Tomato Soup:
- 2 lbs (900g) fresh tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 cups (500ml) vegetable broth
- ½ cup (125ml) heavy cream (optional)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
For the Cheese Toastie:
- 4 slices of sourdough or white bread
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Roasted Tomato Soup:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the tomatoes: Place halved tomatoes, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and oregano. Roast for 30-35 minutes, until tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
- Blend the soup: Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender. Add balsamic vinegar and vegetable broth. Blend until smooth.
- Heat and season: Pour the blended soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust salt if needed.
- Finish with basil: Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
Cheese Toastie:
- Assemble the toastie: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread Dijon mustard (if using), then layer shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- Toast to perfection: Heat a pan over medium heat. Cook each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Slice and serve: Cut the toastie in half and serve with the hot tomato soup.
Notes
- Make it vegan: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and dairy-free cheese for the toastie.
- Extra crispy toastie: Grill it in a panini press for an even crunchier texture.
- Storage tip: The soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Fat: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Protein: ~12g