Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast

Ingredients

For the Tomato Soup:

• 6 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

For the Cheese and Onion Toast:

• 4 slices of bread (your choice: white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• Butter or olive oil for spreading

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomato Soup:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
2. Add chopped tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tomatoes soften.
3. Pour in the stock and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and blend the soup until smooth using a hand blender or regular blender. Adjust seasoning as needed.

2. Make the Cheese and Onion Toast:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or use a toaster oven.
2. Spread butter or olive oil on each bread slice. Top with a generous layer of cheese and thinly sliced onions.
3. Bake or toast until the cheese melts and the edges of the bread turn golden and crispy.

3. Serve:
Ladle the warm tomato soup into bowls and serve alongside the cheesy onion toast. Garnish the soup with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch of flavor and color.