Tomato Basil Soup

Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup with Smoky Barbecued Cheddar

Enjoy the comforting warmth of homemade tomato basil soup with smoky grilled cheddar. This delicious dish was born out of a desire to combine the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and the smoky essence of grilled cheddar to create a comforting masterpiece for any occasion.

Tomato Basil Soup with Smoky Barbecued Cheddar

Cuisine

International

Total Prep Time

1 Hour

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients:

  • • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • • 1 onion, minced
  • • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • • 2 cans whole tomatoes (28 oz each), undrained
  • • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes , undrained
  • • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • • 1 cup cream
  • • 1 cup grated smoked cheddar cheese
  • • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional for added smoky flavor)
Tomato Basil Soup
  • Optional garnish:
    • • Fresh basil leaves, for topping
    • • Croutons or firm Bread, for serving
  • Substitutes:
    • • Olive oil: Can be substituted with vegetable oil or butter.
    • • Fresh basil leaves: If not available, you can use 2 tablespoons of dried basil.
    • • Vegetable soup: Can also be used in place of chicken soup.
    • • Cream: Can replace half-and-half or whole milk with a lighter version.
    • • Smoked cheddar cheese: You can use regular cheddar or Gouda cheese, but the smoky flavor may be less strong.
    • • Liquid smoke: If not available, you can omit this ingredient for a milder soup, or add some smoked paprika to add some smokiness.

Cooking Instructions: Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup with Smoky Grilled Cheddar

  • Directions:
    • 1. place a large saucepan over medium heat with the olive oil.
    • 2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
    • 3. Add the minced garlic and stir. Cook for an additional one to two minutes, or until fragrant.
  • Cooking method:
    • 4. Add the whole peeled tomatoes along with their juices. Use a wooden spoon to mash up the tomatoes.
    • 5. Add vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
    • 6. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
    • 7. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Mix:
    • 8. Using a hand blender, carefully puree the soup until a smooth mixture forms. Alternatively, you can pour the soup into a blender in batches and blend until smooth. Be careful with hot liquids.
    • Finishing:
    • 9. Return the strained soup to the pot and heat over low heat.
    • 10. Pour in the cream and stir constantly until everything is well mixed.
    • 11. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the soup thickens.
    • To make smoked grilled cheddar: 12. While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven broiler.
    • 13. Place grated smoky grilled cheddar cheese in an even layer on a baking sheet.
    • 14. Grill for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly crispy. Be careful not to get burned.
  • servings:
    • 15. Pour the warm tomato and basil soup into a bowl.
    • 16. Generously sprinkle each serving with smoky grilled cheddar.
    • 17. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, if desired.
  • Critical Points:
    • • Use caution when mixing hot liquids to avoid splatters. If using a traditional blender, let the soup cool slightly.
    • • Tailor the amount of salt and pepper to your taste.
    • • To achieve a golden, crunchy texture without burning the cheese, watch the grill closely.

Kitchen tools or equipment :Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup with Smoky Grilled Cheddar

  • 1. Soup pot: Used to cook or boil soup.
  • 2. Blender or hand blender: Puree the tomatoes and basil to a smooth soup consistency.
  • 3. Cutting board and knife: Used for chopping and preparing fresh tomatoes, basil, and other ingredients.
  • 4. Wooden spoon: Stir the soup as it simmers.
  • 5. Can opener: If you use canned tomatoes, you will need a can opener to open the can.
  • 6. Measuring cup/measuring spoon: For accurately measuring ingredients.
  • 7. Grater: Used to grate smoky grilled cheddar cheese for garnish.
  • 8. Soup bowl: A bowl for serving the finished soup.
  • 9. Ladle: A tool for serving soup in bowls.
  • 10. Garlic Press: If your recipe calls for mincing garlic, a garlic press will come in handy.
  • 11. Olive oil dispenser: For frying ingredients with olive oil.
  • 12. Salt and pepper shaker: For seasoning soup.
  • 13. Baking tray (for making homemade croutons): Used to toast bread cubes for homemade croutons.
  • 14. Brush (for homemade croutons): Brush bread cubes with olive oil for toasting.
  • 15. Oven or toaster (if making homemade croutons): Toast the bread cubes.
  • 16. Soup bowl or serving bowl (optional): For a stylish presentation when serving soup at the table.

Pairing:

Tomato Basil Soup
  • 1. Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup with Crispy Garlic Parmesan Bread
  • 2. Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich
  • 3. Tomato Basil Soup with Chicken Breast Stuffed with Spinach and Feta Cheese
  • 4. Caprese Salad with Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
  • 5. Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Salad with Tomato Basil Soup
  • 6. Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers with Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
  • 7. Three Cheese Tortellini with Tomato Basil Soup
  • 8. Smoky Grilled Cheddar Tomato Soup with Basil Pesto Bruschetta
  • 9. Chicken Caesar Salad with Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
  • 10. Roasted Red Pepper and Mozzarella Panini with Tomato Basil Soup
  • 11. Classic Margherita Pizza with Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
  • 12. Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese Bagel Tomato Basil Soup
  • 13. Gourmet Grilled Cheese Trio and Smoky Grilled Cheddar Tomato Soup
  • 14. Baked Ziti with Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
  • 15. Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Cauliflower Bites with Tomato Basil Soup
  • 16. Turkey Avocado Club Sandwich with Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
  • 17. Crispy Parmesan Polenta Fries , Smoky Grilled Cheddar with Tomato Soup
  • 18. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Tomato Basil Soup
  • 19. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus and Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
  • 20. Mini Margherita Flatbread and Tomato Basil Soup Shot

Tips for making easy homemade tomato basil soup with smoky grilled cheddar:

  • 1. Choose ripe tomatoes: Choose flavorful, ripe tomatoes as the base for your soup. The quality of tomatoes has a huge impact on the taste of the finished dish.
  • 2. Roast the tomatoes for extra depth: For an even richer flavor, roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Roasting increases the sweetness and brings out the natural sugars.
  • 3. Boost with fresh basil: For a livelier, more aromatic flavor, choose fresh basil instead of dried. Add at the end of cooking to preserve freshness.
  • 4． Balance of Smokiness: Adjust the amount of smoky grilled cheddar to your taste. If you prefer a more pronounced smoky flavor, add a little more, but be careful not to thicken the soup too much.
  • 5. Creamy Texture Variations: Customize the texture of your soup by adjusting the amount of cream or milk. Use low-fat milk for a lighter version, and choose almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • 6. Add flavor: Before adding tomatoes, sauté aromatic vegetables such as onions and garlic. This step adds complexity and depth to the flavor of the soup.
  • 7. Homemade croutons for crunch: Garnish tomato basil soup with homemade croutons for a delicious crunch. Dice the bread, drizzle with olive oil and toast until golden brown. Sprinkle these on the soup just before eating.
  • 8. Acidity Balance: Add a pinch of sugar to adjust the acidity of the soup if necessary. This balances out the spiciness of the tomatoes and creates a more harmonious flavor.
  • 9. Experiment with garnishes: Get creative with your garnishes, like grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, or a little Greek yogurt for extra flavor. These small additions improve the overall taste.
  • 10. Consider dietary restrictions: Consider dietary restrictions, such as substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth as a vegetarian option. Check the label to ensure all ingredients, including grilled cheddar, meet your dietary preferences.
  • 11. Go on: Soup often tastes even better the next day. Consider making a large batch and letting the flavors meld overnight for a convenient and flavorful meal.
  • 12. Don’t forget to season. Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook. Salt and pepper are important, but feel free to experiment with herbs and spices to suit your tastes.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup with Smoky Grilled Cheddar:

Tomato Basil Soup
  • 1. Presentation:
  • • Ladle the rich, velvety tomato basil soup into individual soup bowls, ensuring enough for each guest. Masu.
  • • Consider using a rustic or elegant soup bowl to enhance the visual appeal of your dish.
  • • For added freshness and color, garnish the soup with a drizzle of heavy cream or a pinch of finely chopped fresh basil.
  • 2. Cheese Fun:
  • • Just before serving, crumble or grate smoky grilled cheddar cheese over hot soup to melt slightly and infuse the soup with rich flavor.
  • • For extra fun, place a small piece of smoky grilled cheddar on the edge of each bowl.
  • 3. Bread accompaniments:
  • • Crunchy homemade breads, such as baguette or garlic bread, can be served as a side dish to complement hearty soups.
  • • Consider lightly toasting the bread and serving it with garlic butter or olive oil for dipping.
  • 4. Fresh Herbs:
  • • Scatter additional fresh basil or parsley around the soup bowl to add herbal flavor and improve the overall presentation.
  • 5. Side Salad:
  • • Create a refreshing side salad with mixed vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing. It creates a refreshing contrast with the warm and comforting tomato basil soup.
  • 6. Grilled Cheese Croutons:
  • • Transform a classic grilled cheese sandwich into bite-sized croutons. Cut them into small squares or triangles and float them on top of the soup for a playful and delicious look.
  • 7. Serving Atmosphere:
  • • Set the tone by serving your soup in a cozy dining area with dim lighting and possibly soft background music to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  • 8. Drink Pairing:
  • • Pair your meal with a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir, or a refreshing white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. Alternatively, you can refresh yourself with a simple iced tea or sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup with Smoky Grilled Cheddar Storing and Leftovers:

  • Storing:
    • 1. Allow leftover soup to cool to room temperature before storing.
    • 2. Pour the soup into an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. Make sure there is some space at the top of the container to accommodate expansion during freezing.
    • 3. Label containers with dates to track freshness.
    • 4. Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For long-term storage, you can freeze the soup for 2-3 months.
  • Reheating Instructions:
  • 1. Chilled Soup:
  • • To reheat soup from the refrigerator, heat the soup slowly over medium heat on the stove.
    • • Stir occasionally to heat evenly and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
    • • Heat the soup to boiling and make sure it is piping hot before serving.
    • 2. Frozen Soup:
    • • Put frozen soup in the fridge for the entire night to thaw.
    • • After thawing, reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring regularly.
    • • Make sure the soup is well heated and gently boiling before serving.
  • Additional Tips:
    • • If the soup thickens when heated, you can add a little water or stock to achieve the desired consistency.
    • • For extra flavor, consider garnishing with fresh basil or adding an extra sprinkle of smoky grilled cheddar.
    • • Avoid reheating soup in the microwave for a long time as this may cause uneven heating. If using a microwave, heat quickly, stirring in between.

Nutrition information (1 serving):

  • Calories: approx. 250-300 kcal
  • • Fat: 15-20 g
  • • Saturated fat: 8-10 g
  • • Trans fat: 0 g
  • • Protein: 8-12 g
  • • Carbohydrates: 20-25g
  • • Fiber: 4-6g
  • • Sugar: 10-12g
  • Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used in the recipe.
Tomato Basil Soup

Variations:

  • 1. Spicy Tomato Basil Soup with Pepper Jack:
  • • Add diced jalapenos for a kick, and replace the smoky cheddar with melted pepper jack for a spicy touch.
  • 2. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Parmesan Chips:
  • • For a creamier consistency, add cream and serve the soup with homemade Parmesan chips instead of cheddar.
  • 3. Roasted Garlic Tomato Basil Soup with Gruyère:
  • • Make the Roasted Garlic Tomato Basil Soup before blending and add melted Gruyère cheese on top of the soup for a rich, flavorful flavor.
  • 4. Tomato-basil soup with mushrooms and Swiss cheese:
  • • Sauté the mushrooms in butter and mix into the soup. Pair it with Swiss cheese for an earthy, umami kick.
  • 5. Tuscan Tomato Basil Soup with Pecorino Romano:
  • • Add cannellini beans, chopped spinach, and Pecorino Romano cheese for an Italian-inspired version.
  • 6. Caramelized Onion, Tomato and Basil Fontina Soup:
  • • Caramelize the onions and mix into the soup. Top with melted fontina cheese for a sweet and savory combination.
  • 7. Sun-dried tomato basil soup with mozzarella:
  • • Add sun-dried tomatoes to the base and top with melted mozzarella cheese for a rich flavor.
  • 8. Curry Tomato Basil Soup with Coconut Milk:
  • • Add a little curry powder and finish the soup with coconut milk for a unique and exotic taste.
  • 9. Lemon Tomato Basil Soup with Feta Cheese:
  • • Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup and top with crumbled feta cheese for a refreshing and flavorful profile.
  • 10. Sausage, Tomato and Basil Provolone Soup:
  • • Sauté the sausage and add to the soup. Served with melted provolone, it’s flavorful and comforting.
  • 11. Cauliflower, Tomato and Basil Soup with Blue Cheese:
  • • Replace some of the tomatoes with cauliflower for a lighter version. Garnish with crumbled blue cheese for a bold flavor.
  • 12. Pesto Tomato Basil Soup with Asiago:
  • • Before serving, add homemade or store-bought pesto and top with shredded asiago to make a pesto-filled snack.
  • 13. Greek Tomato Basil Soup with Feta Cheese and Kalamata Olives:
  • • Add chopped kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. Finish by drizzling a little olive oil for a Mediterranean feel.
  • 14. Chipotle Tomato Basil Soup with Mexican Cheese Blend:
  • • Add smoky chipotle peppers to the soup and top with a Mexican cheese blend for a spicy, cheesy flavor.
  • 15. Cilantro, Lime, Tomato, and Basil Soup with Queso Fresco:
  • • Add fresh cilantro and lime juice to the soup. For a flavorful profile, finish with crumbled queso fresco.
  • 16. Ginger Turmeric Tomato Basil Soup with Goat Cheese:
  • • Add fresh ginger and turmeric for a health boost. Top with crumbled goat cheese for a creamy touch.
  • 17. Rustic Tomato Basil Soup with Rustic Bread and Swiss Cheese:
  • • Serve soup in bread bowls and top with melted Swiss cheese for a hearty, comforting meal.
  • 18. Pecorino soup with green peas, mint, tomatoes and basil:
  • • Add sweet green peas and fresh mint. Garnish with grated pecorino cheese for a lively, refreshing touch.
  • 19. Black Bean, Corn, Tomato, and Basil Cheddar Jack Soup:
  • • Add the black beans and corn to the soup and melt the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese mixture on top for a Tex-Mex twist.
  • 20. Avocado Tomato Basil Soup with Cotija:
  • • Stir ripe avocados into the soup for a creamy consistency. Add crumbled cotija cheese at the end for a Mexican twist.

Recipe Notes:

Tomato Basil Soup
  • 1. Tomato Selection: For best results, choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Roma or San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice because they have more flavor and less moisture.
  • 2. Fresh Basil: Use fresh basil leaves to add a vibrant, aromatic essence to soups. Add it at the end of cooking if possible to preserve freshness.
  • 3. Smoky Grilled Cheddar: The addition of Smoky Grilled Cheddar takes this soup to a whole new level. If you’re looking for quality smoked cheddar or want an adventurous twist, try smoking cheddar at home using wood chips.
  • 4. Consistency is important: Adjust the consistency of the soup to your liking by adding more broth if you prefer a thinner consistency or by boiling longer for a thicker, heartier soup. Masu.
  • 5. Crouton Crunch: Top each serving with homemade croutons for an extra texture. Dice the bread you made a few days ago, mix it with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt, and toast it until golden brown.
  • 6. Cultural twist: Tomato basil soup is a staple in many cuisines, but the addition of smoky grilled cheddar gives it a unique twist. This fusion of flavors creates comforting dishes with bold touches.
  • 7. Pairing Suggestion: Serve this soup with crunchy bread, a grilled cheese sandwich, or a simple garden salad for a balanced meal. The smoky aroma of cheddar cheese complements the soup beautifully.
  • 8. History of Tomato Basil Soup: Tomato soup has been a staple for centuries, but the addition of basil is more recent, dating back to the rise in popularity of Italian cuisine. This herb gives the soup a refreshing aroma that makes it a popular staple.
  • 9. Unforgettable Moments: Create lasting memories by making this soup for a cozy family dinner, a get-together with friends, or as a comforting dish during cold weather. The pleasant aroma of tomatoes and basil attracts people.

Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup with Smoky Grilled Cheddar

Q1: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes in this soup?

A1: Yes, of course! Fresh tomatoes add flavor, but canned tomatoes are an effective and convenient alternative. For best results, use high-quality canned tomatoes with no added preservatives.

Q2: If I don’t have Smoky Grilled Cheddar, can I substitute regular cheddar cheese?

A2: Of course! Smoky grilled cheddar cheese adds a unique flavor, but you can also use regular cheddar instead. To mimic a smoky essence, add a little liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and adjust the soup to your taste.

In summary, this easy homemade tomato basil soup recipe with smoky grilled cheddar is a delicious blend of fresh flavors and comforting warmth. Follow these easy steps to create a rich, satisfying soup that tantalizes your taste buds with the perfect balance of tomatoes, basil, and smoky cheddar.

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