Tomato Soup For One With Parmesan Frico Grilled Cheese Recipes

FRESH TOMATO SOUP WITH GRILLED CHEESE

Steps:

• Put the quartered tomatoes in a blender and blend until smooth.
• Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and half of the scallions and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Increase the heat to medium high; strain the pureed tomatoes through a mesh sieve into the pot. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, 1 cup water, the cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add the pasta and cook until tender, about 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
• Toss the remaining scallions with the cheeses; divide the mixture between 2 of the bread slices. Top each with a slice of ham, the remaining cheese mixture and bread.
• Heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches until the cheese melts, about 3 minutes per side; cut in half.
• Ladle the soup into bowls; top with basil and serve with the sandwiches.

TOMATO SOUP WITH GRATINEED GRILLED CHEESE

Steps:

• Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and fill a large bowl with ice water. Core the tomatoes and cut a shallow X into the skin on the bottom of each with a sharp knife. Boil the tomatoes just long enough for the skin to be easy to peel, about 20 seconds. Transfer to the ice bath to cool. Peel the tomatoes, quarter them lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Coarsely chop the flesh.
• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, broth, sugar, basil, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer until the tomatoes start to break down, about 15 minutes. Remove the basil sprig and transfer the soup to a blender. Puree until very smooth (be careful when blending hot liquids). Add the cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Preheat the broiler on high with the heating element about 6 inches above the rack. Divide the soup among 4 small broiler-proof bowls. Place a slice of bread in each and top with the cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted, bubbling and lightly browned in spots. Garnish with a basil leaf and serve immediately.

TOMATO-PARMESAN SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large wide pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until very tender and lightly browned in spots, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until the mixture is well coated, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, bay leaves, parmesan rind, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring.
• Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a steady simmer and cook until the soup is slightly thickened, 15 to 20 minutes; discard the bay leaves and Parmesan rind. Blend the soup in the pot with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the soup among bowls. Top with basil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

TOMATO SOUP WITH GRILLED CHEESE

Steps:

• For the tomato soup: Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the oil. When hot, add the onion and a large pinch of salt and cook until starting to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Mix in the tomatoes and chicken stock. Add the cream, hot sauce and oregano if using and bring to a simmer. Simmer until thickened and the flavors come together, 20 to 30 minutes. Taste and season with additional salt if needed. Let cool slightly, then transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.
• For the grilled cheese: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
• Spread the mayonnaise or melted butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the mayonnaise or butter. Flip the slices and put 4 pieces of Cheddar on 4 of the bread slices. Spread the other bread slices with mustard, if using, and close the slices together to form sandwiches (the mayonnaise and Parmesan should be on the outside).
• Working in batches if necessary, transfer the sandwiches to the skillet and cook until browned and toasted, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Slice and serve with the tomato soup.