Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist with our Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Basil Soup recipe, a highlight from our Pop Up Kitchen at India Story 2025. This sandwich, featuring a delightful mix of Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gorgonzola, and Parmigiano Reggiano, is grilled to perfection with herbed butter. Paired with a thick, rich Tomato Basil Soup that serves as the perfect dipping companion, this dish elevates the classic pairing to new heights.
Perfect for recreating one of your favorite menu items at home, this recipe promises a deliciously comforting experience with every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
- 2 slices of your favorite artisan bread (like sourdough or ciabatta)
- 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons herbed butter (combine softened butter with a mix of herbs like parsley, dill, and thyme)
For the Tomato Basil Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian Basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sugar to taste (optional, to cut the acidity)
Instructions:
For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread generously with the herbed butter.
- Layer the cheeses on the non-buttered side of one slice of bread—Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gorgonzola, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Top with the other slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Grill the sandwich in the skillet, pressing down slightly with a spatula. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute before cutting.
For the Tomato Basil Soup:
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until onion is translucent.
- Add the whole tomatoes and their juice, breaking them up with a spoon. Stir in the vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, then add the fresh basil leaves.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream, and heat through. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if desired.
- Simmer until the soup thickens to a dipping consistency, about 10 minutes more.
To Serve:
Pour the thick Tomato Basil Soup into a bowl and garnish with a few basil leaves. Serve hot alongside the Grilled Cheese Sandwich, sliced in half or quarters, perfect for dipping into the soup. Enjoy this comforting yet gourmet pairing that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
This meal is perfect for those chilly days or whenever you need a comforting yet elevated touch to your dining experience!
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