Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 4 slices cheddar or fontina cheese
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat and cook the onion until softened.
2. Add garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.
3. Simmer for 20 minutes, blend until smooth, then stir in cream and basil and season to taste.
4. Butter the bread, add cheese, and grill sandwiches until golden on both sides.
5. Cut grilled cheese into cubes and serve over the hot soup as croutons.