SPICY TOMATO AND CHEDDAR SOUP

Spicy Tomato and Cheddar Soup image

Provided by Nancy Fuller

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh oregano leaves, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon hot sauce
One 28-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups grated sharp Cheddar
Croutons, recipe follows
2 cups cubed day-old French bread
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Preheat the broiler. Line a sheet pan with foil.
Place the tomatoes on the prepared sheet pan and broil until charred, 4 minutes.
Add the oil to a large pot set over high heat. Saute the garlic, onions and oregano. Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the broiled tomatoes to the pot and mix into the sauteed onion mixture. Break up the tomatoes with the mixing spoon so they cook evenly. Add the broth, hot sauce and canned tomatoes to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the cheese, reserving 2 tablespoons for garnish, into the soup. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Simmer the soup on low for 5 minutes.
Divide the soup among four bowls, then garnish with the reserved cheese and some Croutons.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Place the cubes on a sheet pan in a single layer and sprinkle the oil over the bread. Season with salt and pepper. Bake until crisp and golden, about 10 minutes.