DELICIOUS TUESDAY - Something TO WARM YOU UP

TOMATO BASIL SOUP with GRILLED CHEESE BITES

Ok so its cold outside this morning and i was totally hungry for something warm and yummy. Growing up, this is my hands down, favorite comfort meal, tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich. Maybe it was all the bread and cheese I consumed that had me develope allergies to dairy and gluten? Whatever, it was totally worth it. Good news, this soup is DAIRY-FREE! If you have dairy allergies you know that most soups, especially those at a restaurant are made with dairy. Between the flavor from the roasted tomatoes and all the fresh basil, this soup is so incredible, next time, I’m doubling the batch!

Looking for something different to serve for the Super Bowl or movie night? Fill little cups with the roasted tomato basil soup and using a large toothpick, skewer the bite-size squares of grilled cheese and lay on top of the cups.

This is also a great option for parties/entertaining and only want to serve light or bite-size appetizers.

Roasted-Tomato Basil Soup Recipe from Barefoot Contessa

Ingredients

• 3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
• 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Tbsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 cups chopped yellow onions (approx. 2 onions)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp butter – I left this out
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 28 oz. canned plum tomatoes with their juices – I used died tomatoes
• 4 cups of fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1 tsp thyme leaves
• 1 quart (4 cups) chicken stock (or water)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degree F.

In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes, 1/4 cup of olive oil, salt +pepper.

Spread the tomatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes.

In a large stockpot on medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with 2 Tbsp of olive oil, butter (optional), and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes or until the onions begin to brown. Add the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock. Then add the oven roasted tomatoes and include any of the liquid on the baking sheet. Bring to a boil and then simmer (uncovered) for 40 minutes. If you have a food mill, use that to pass the soup through. I used a Cuisinart to puree – mine was more on the chunky side – but you could also use a blender.

Serve hot or cold. Enjoy!