IngredientsFor the Tomato Soup:2 tbsp olive oil1 large onion, chopped3 cloves garlic, minced1 carrot, chopped2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes4 cups vegetable broth2 tbsp tomato paste1 tsp sugar1 tsp dried basil1/2 tsp dried oreganoSalt and pepper to tasteFresh basil, for garnishFor the Cheese and Onion Toast:4 slices of crusty bread2 tbsp butter, softened1 small onion, thinly sliced1 cup shredded cheddar cheese1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheeseInstructions:Prepare the Tomato Soup:Sauté Vegetables:In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.Add the minced garlic and chopped carrot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.Add Tomato Base:Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.Add the whole peeled tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, sugar, dried basil, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil.Simmer:Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.Blend:Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or blend in batches using a regular blender.Season:Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat.Prepare the Cheese and Onion Toast:Preheat Oven:Preheat your oven’s broiler or a toaster oven.Prepare Toast:Spread the softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.Place the buttered slices on a baking sheet, buttered side up. Top with thinly sliced onion, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.Broil:Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.Serve:Serve Soup:Ladle the hot soup into bowls.Serve each bowl with a slice of cheese and onion toast.Garnish:Garnish the soup with fresh basil leaves.Nutrition Information (per serving):Tomato Soup:Calories: 160Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 690mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 5gSugars: 10gProtein: 4gCheese and Onion Toast (per slice):Calories: 330Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 550mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 2gSugars: 5gProtein: 14gTotal for a bowl of soup with one slice of toast:Calories: 490Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 1240mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 7gSugars: 15gProtein: 18gEnjoy this delicious and comforting mea
Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast
