Simple Tomato Soup + Grilled Cheese Croutons

Ingredients

1 small onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 tablespoon butter

1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes

2 cups chicken stock 

1 tablespoon sherry

½ cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon oregano 

Fresh chopped basil and chives for garnish

Grilled Cheese Croutons:

2 slices of your favorite bread

2 slices cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon dukes mayonnaise

1 tablespoon butter, softened 

PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 30 | SERVINGS: 4

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the butter. 

2. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes or until the onions have softened. Add the can of tomatoes and chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.

3. While the soup is simmering make your grilled cheese croutons. Heat a cast iron skillet or any skillet to medium heat.

4. Spread the mayonnaise on one side of each piece of bread.  Add the butter to the skillet. Place one slice of bread buttered side down and top with cheese and then remaining slice of bread buttered side up.  Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. Once golden brown remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly and then cute into cubes.

5. Turn heat off soup. Carefully transfer soup to a blender and blend the tomatoes until soup is smooth. (Or use an immersion blender if you have one.) Return soup to pot and turn the heat back on low and add the cream, sherry, oregano, salt and pepper. Stirring to combine.

6.Serve soup immediately and top with grilled cheese croutons and fresh basil and chives. 

Enjoy y’all!