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# **Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast: The Ultimate Comfort Food Combo**
This recipe combines classic comfort with a twist, offering a hearty, flavorful meal that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re serving it to your family, guests, or just indulging in a cozy meal for yourself, this tomato soup with cheese and onion toast is sure to become a favorite.
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– **Simple & Quick**: Made with everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this meal is easy to prepare and doesn’t take much time.
– **Hearty & Filling**: The rich, creamy soup paired with cheesy toast makes for a satisfying dish that’ll keep you full for hours.
– **Comforting**: It’s the ultimate comfort food, with its warm, creamy soup and crispy, cheesy toast to dip and enjoy.
– **Customizable**: You can easily modify the soup to fit your tastes—add herbs, spices, or extra veggies. The toast is also a great base for your favorite cheese and toppings.
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### For the Tomato Soup:
– **1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes** (or fresh, peeled and chopped tomatoes)
– **1 tablespoon olive oil**
– **1 medium onion**, finely chopped
– **2 garlic cloves**, minced
– **2 cups vegetable broth** (or chicken broth)
– **1 teaspoon sugar** (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
– **1 teaspoon dried basil**
– **1 teaspoon dried oregano**
– **1/2 cup heavy cream** (for a rich and creamy texture)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **Fresh basil or parsley** (optional, for garnish)
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### **Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Soup**
1. **Heat the Olive Oil**: In a large pot, heat the **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the chopped **onion** and cook for about 5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. **Add Garlic**: Stir in the **minced garlic** and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. **Add Tomatoes and Broth**: Pour in the **crushed tomatoes** and **vegetable broth**, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer.
4. **Season the Soup**: Add the **sugar**, **dried basil**, **dried oregano**, and a pinch of **salt** and **pepper**. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. **Blend the Soup (Optional)**: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy. You can also transfer the soup to a blender in batches and puree it.
6. **Add Cream**: Stir in the **heavy cream** to make the soup rich and velvety. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. Keep the soup warm on low heat.
### **Step 2: Prepare the Cheese and Onion Toast**
1. **Cook the Onions**: In a small skillet, heat **1 teaspoon of olive oil** over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced **onion** and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and caramelized. Season with a pinch of **salt** and **pepper**.
2. **Toast the Bread**: While the onions are cooking, spread a thin layer of **butter** on one side of each slice of bread. Place the slices on a baking sheet, buttered side up, and broil in the oven for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
3. **Assemble the Toast**: Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven and top with the caramelized onions. Sprinkle a generous amount of **shredded cheese** on top of the onions.
4. **Melt the Cheese**: Place the cheese-topped toast back under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven.