There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of tomato soup—it’s warm, satisfying, and can easily transport you back to simpler times. It’s the kind of meal that provides not just nourishment, but also a sense of comfort, whether you’re curled up on the couch or gathering around the dinner table with family and friends. And when paired with cheese and onion toast, this classic dish is elevated to a whole new level of comfort food bliss. The combination of creamy, tangy tomato soup with the crispy, cheesy, and savory toast is the perfect pairing, making it a meal that’s both delicious and easy to make.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of how to make this beloved dish from scratch, including step-by-step instructions for both the tomato soup and the cheese and onion toast. Along the way, we’ll explore the rich flavors, discuss variations, and give you some creative tips to help you master this ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients for Tomato Soup
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious tomato soup from scratch. The ingredients are simple, but they come together to create a deeply flavorful soup with rich, savory undertones.
For the Tomato Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil – This will be used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – Onion is the base of the soup and provides a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds a savory, aromatic layer that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes – You can also use fresh tomatoes, but canned crushed tomatoes give the soup a rich and deep tomato flavor.
- 3 cups vegetable broth – This serves as the soup’s base. You can also use chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste – Adds a concentrated tomato flavor that makes the soup even more savory.
- 1 tsp sugar – Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground pepper will add warmth and depth to the soup.
- 1/2 tsp dried basil (or 1 tsp fresh basil, chopped) – Basil adds a sweet and slightly peppery note to the soup.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped) – Oregano brings a savory and slightly minty flavor that complements the tomatoes.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk (optional) – If you prefer a creamier soup, add a splash of cream or milk to the finished soup.
For the Cheese and Onion Toast:
Now that we have the tomato soup covered, let’s look at the ingredients for the cheese and onion toast. This side dish is the perfect accompaniment to the soup. The caramelized onions add a subtle sweetness, while the cheese becomes gooey and melty when toasted, creating the ideal balance with the rich tomato soup.
- 4 slices of bread – Choose your favorite bread: sourdough, whole wheat, white, or even gluten-free.
- 2 tbsp butter – Butter will be used to toast the bread to golden perfection.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced – Caramelized onions will add sweetness and flavor to the toast.
- 2 cups grated cheese – Cheddar is the classic choice, but you can experiment with mozzarella, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tomato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
The first thing you’ll want to do is prep your ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and open your can of crushed tomatoes. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, you’ll need to peel and chop them into small pieces. Having everything ready will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are soft and beginning to turn golden brown. The goal is to bring out the natural sweetness of the onions.
Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Garlic burns easily, so be sure to stir constantly and keep an eye on it. The smell of caramelized onions and garlic should be mouthwatering at this point.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Once the onions and garlic are fragrant and soft, add the crushed tomatoes to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth, depending on your preference). Stir in the tomato paste, which will add a deeper tomato flavor to the soup, and the sugar to balance out the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer over low to medium heat. Let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time will allow the flavors to meld and deepen, making your soup rich and savory.
Step 4: Blend the Soup (Optional)
Once the soup has cooked for a while, you can blend it if you prefer a smoother texture. You can use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer it to a regular blender in batches. Blend until the soup is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can pulse it a few times or leave it as is.
Step 5: Add Cream (Optional)
For a creamier tomato soup, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or milk. Stir the cream in gently, and taste the soup. If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the soup tastes too acidic, add a pinch more sugar. If it needs more depth, you can add a bit more salt or pepper. Once you’re satisfied with the flavor and texture, your tomato soup is ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheese and Onion Toast
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
While the soup is simmering, you can start preparing the cheese and onion toast. Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes. The onions will begin to soften, and their natural sugars will caramelize, turning them a beautiful golden brown.
Be patient during this process—caramelizing onions can take time, but the result is worth it. If the onions begin to stick to the pan, you can add a little water or broth to deglaze the pan and loosen them up.
Step 2: Toast the Bread
While the onions are caramelizing, you can toast your bread. You can either use a toaster to toast the bread or grill it in a pan with a little butter on each side until golden and crispy. For extra flavor, use butter on both sides of the bread before toasting.
Make sure the bread is crispy enough to stand up to the melted cheese and caramelized onions.
Step 3: Assemble the Toast
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, it’s time to assemble the cheese and onion toast. Place the toasted bread on a baking sheet and pile the caramelized onions on top of each slice. Add a generous amount of grated cheese on top of the onions. You can use cheddar for a sharp flavor or mix cheeses for a gooey, melty experience.
Step 4: Broil the Toast
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