FRESH TOMATO SOUP WITH GRILLED CHEESE

Fresh Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

4 1/2 pounds tomatoes (4 pounds quartered, 1/2 pound chopped)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
4 scallions, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup mini bow ties or other mini pasta
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 slices multigrain bread
2 thin slices low-sodium ham
Chopped fresh basil, for topping

Steps:

Put the quartered tomatoes in a blender and blend until smooth.
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and half of the scallions and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Increase the heat to medium high; strain the pureed tomatoes through a mesh sieve into the pot. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, 1 cup water, the cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add the pasta and cook until tender, about 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
Toss the remaining scallions with the cheeses; divide the mixture between 2 of the bread slices. Top each with a slice of ham, the remaining cheese mixture and bread.
Heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches until the cheese melts, about 3 minutes per side; cut in half.
Ladle the soup into bowls; top with basil and serve with the sandwiches.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418 calorie, Fat 20 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Cholesterol 36 milligrams, Sodium 682 milligrams, Carbohydrate 44 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 18 grams