Mediterranean-Style Homemade Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese
A lighter, comforting combo with olive oil, herbs, good bread, and melty cheese.
Homemade Tomato Soup
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cans whole peeled tomatoes (28 oz each)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp sugar or honey (optional)
- ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Sauté aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Cook onion 5–6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2. Build flavor
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes.
Add:
- canned tomatoes
- broth
- oregano
- basil
- paprika
Break tomatoes apart with a spoon.
3. Simmer
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes.
4. Blend
Use an immersion blender until smooth.
(Optional) Stir in cream for a richer soup.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Mediterranean Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 slices sourdough or rustic bread
- 2 tbsp softened butter or olive oil
- 4 oz mozzarella
- 4 oz sharp white cheddar
- 2 oz feta cheese
- Optional:
- sliced tomatoes
- spinach
- pesto
- caramelized onions
Instructions
1. Assemble
Butter or brush outside of bread.
Layer cheeses inside. Add optional fillings if desired.
2. Cook
Heat skillet over medium-low.
Cook sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side until:
- bread is golden
- cheese is fully melted
Serving Ideas
Serve soup topped with:
- basil
- cracked pepper
- olive oil drizzle
- parmesan
Cut grilled cheese into strips for dipping.
Optional Upgrades
Spicy
Add:
- red pepper flakes
- harissa
- jalapeños
Extra Protein
Add:
- shredded chicken
- white beans
- turkey slices in sandwich
