Y’all….this is such a classic and comforting meal, but you have to believe me when I say that this soup and panini mix is AMAZINGLY wonderful and so good that my family had it back to back last week for dinner. (literally, two nights in a row.) Ah….wish I had some right now.
The soup is SO easy to put together and it tastes like you slaved all day in the kitchen to get that amazing flavor!!! Really, it couldn’t be easier and more comforting.
Creamy Tomato Soup.
This soup is super easy to put together and filled with flavor. It tastes like you slaved over it all day, but no one has to know the truth. Right?
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion quartered
- 3 cloves garlic roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 sprig basil leaves about 5 leaves
- 1 jar favorite marinara sauce or your homemade
- 2 cups water or chicken stock
- 1 Parmesan rind for extra depth of flavor
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half/half
Instructions
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In a saucepan, heat the butter, garlic, basil and onion until fragrant.
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Add in the red pepper flakes, salt & pepper and stir to combine.
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Add in the marinara/spaghetti sauce and water and bring to a boil.
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Once the soup comes to a small boil, lower the heat, add in the Parmesan rind and slightly cover the pot with a lid.
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Let cook on low heat for about 30 to 45 minutes. I sometimes let mine simmer very low for a longer period of time to intensify the flavors.
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After the cooking time has been completed, remove from heat and allow to cool for a bit.
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In a food processor or blender, scoop out all of the chunky vegetables with some of the broth and blend until smooth.
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Add the blended mixture back into the pot and raise heat back to medium low.
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Once the soup has heated back up, add in the cream.
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Garnish with basil & Parmesan cheese and serve immediately either alone or with an accompaniment....such as my Gruyere & Thyme Panini.
Recipe Notes
This soup is so easy and so very good! You'll want to make it over and over again!
**Recipe slightly adapted from Food Network Kitchen.
….and with this panini….let’s just say….Heaven! It’s cozy, warm, filling and hearty….so basically, it’s a big, giant hug!
Gruyere & Thyme Panini.
A lovely, gourmet style Panini sandwich that pairs perfectly with my Creamy Tomato Soup.
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread sourdough, potato, ciabatta, italian any kind you like
- butter for spreading
- 1 tsp chopped Thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese or more
Instructions
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Heat up a Panini Press. (I like to spray mine with non-stick spray just for good measure.)
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Butter the bread slices.
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Sprinkle the grated Gruyere & Thyme mixture on the inside of one of the buttered bread slices.
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Top it with the other slice of bread that has been buttered and place it in the heated Panini Press.
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Wait until you hear that glorious sizzle and until the Panini is toasted and the cheese is gooey.
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Remove from the Panini Press and cut on the diagonal. (Sometimes I cut them in 4 soldiers for easier dunking.) Serve with the Creamy Tomato Soup for an amazingly, comforting meal.
Recipe Notes
You can easily replace the Gruyere cheese with any cheese you prefer. Fontina is another favorite of mine to use, as well as Havarti. Enjoy
Ah….so good!
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