Healing Tomato Soup
When Jake and I both came down with Covid in August, all we wanted was something simple, soothing, and full of goodness. We didn’t have the energy for anything complicated, but I still wanted comfort food that would nourish us while feeling like a little hug in a bowl. As most of you know, I don’t actually cook so Jake was more than happy to let me follow him around and take notes!
PAIGE NORMAN
When Jake and I both came down with Covid in August, all we wanted was something simple, soothing, and full of goodness. We didn’t have the energy for anything complicated, but I still wanted comfort food that would nourish us while feeling like a little hug in a bowl. As most of you know, I don’t actually cook so Jake was more than happy to let me follow him around and take notes!
perfect recipe for when you’re under the weather, or simply craving a cosy night in.
The Recipe - Soup
For 2
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic (we love garlic, so do less if you don’t)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 500ml vegetable or chicken stock
- A tray full of chopped tomatoes
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- A splash of cream or a knob of butter (optional, for richness)
- Fresh basil (if you have some on hand)
The Recipe - Toasties
For 2
- 4 slices of good bread (sourdough works beautifully)
- Butter, for spreading
- Plenty of strong cheddar (or a mix with mozzarella for extra gooeyness)
Method
Make the soup
- Chop tomatoes and onions and place into a roasting tray.
- Add garlic and time and roast and drizzle your olive oil.
- Roast at 200 degrees until tomatoes have a good colour.
- Once coloured, add tomatoes, water and stock into a pan, bring to the boil for 5-10mins, then reduce to a simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Add double cream and basil, more if you like it creamier.
- Blend until smooth (or leave it chunky if you like rustic).
Method
Make the cheese toasties
- Butter the outside of each bread slice.
- Pile cheese generously in the middle and sandwich together.
- Fry in a hot pan until golden and crisp on both sides, with the cheese melted through
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with a swirl of cream or fresh basil, and dunk your oozy toastie straight in.
Sometimes the simplest things – a bowl of tomato soup and a cheese toastie – are exactly what you need to feel better, whether you’re fighting off a virus after a long run of events or just a grey day.
Here’s to healing, comfort, and lots of melted cheese.
