Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup

Chunky Tomato Soup Recipe with Cheddar and Bread - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup is a comforting and delicious recipe that has been passed down through generations. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick and easy meal on a busy day.

History

This recipe has been a family favorite for years, with its rich and creamy tomato base and crunchy grilled cheese croutons. It was originally created by my mom, who wanted to make a simple and satisfying soup that would warm us up on cold winter nights.

Ingredients

1 can (14.5 oz (411 g)) of undrained stewed tomatoes
1 can (10.75 oz (305 g)) of cream of celery soup
1 can (10.75 oz (305 g)) of tomato purée
1 soup can of whole or skim milk
1 tbsp of butter
2 slices of mild cheddar cheese, or 0.33 cup of pre-shredded cheddar cheese
2 slices of whole-wheat or white bread

How to prepare

Place the stewed tomatoes with their liquid, celery soup, tomato puree, and milk in a 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring just to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, until the flavors blend, for 4 to 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the grilled cheese cubes.
In a small nonstick skillet, melt half of the butter over medium-high heat.
Place the cheddar cheese between the bread slices and, if necessary, trim the cheese slices to fit the bread.
Place the sandwich in the skillet and dot the top with the remaining butter.
Cook the sandwich until the bottom is golden, for 1 to 2 minutes, then flip it with a spatula.
Cook the second side until the cheese is melted and the bread is crusty and golden brown, for 1 to 2 minutes longer.
Remove the sandwich from the skillet with a spatula and use a sharp knife to cut it into 30 small crouton-like pieces.
To serve, ladle the soup into serving bowls and scatter 5 grilled cheese cubes on top of each serving.

Variations

Add some cooked pasta or rice to make the soup even heartier.
Stir in some cooked vegetables like carrots or spinach for added nutrition.
Top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a good quality stewed tomatoes and tomato puree for the best flavor.

- Don't skip the step of simmering the soup to let the flavors meld together.

- Cutting the grilled cheese sandwich into small crouton-like pieces adds a fun and tasty twist to this classic soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and delicious base.

- Grilling the cheese sandwich before cutting it into croutons adds a fun and crunchy texture to the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of cheese you like for the grilled cheese croutons.

- If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup instead.

Make Ahead Tips

Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup in a bowl with the grilled cheese croutons scattered on top for a fun and colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup is a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C, thanks to the tomatoes and celery soup.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk, cheese) and wheat (bread), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C.

Summary

Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup is a classic and comforting recipe that is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick and easy meal. With its rich and creamy tomato base and crunchy grilled cheese croutons, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup. It was a sunny day in the early spring, and I was visiting my dear friend Caroline, who lived in a charming little farmhouse on the outskirts of town. Caroline had invited me over for lunch, and as soon as I walked through the front door, the delicious aroma of tomatoes and herbs filled the air.

I followed the scent to the kitchen, where Caroline was busy stirring a pot of simmering soup on the stove. She greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she handed me a spoon to taste the soup. One spoonful was all it took for me to fall in love with the rich, savory flavor of the chunky tomato soup.

"Caroline, this soup is absolutely divine! Would you mind sharing the recipe with me?" I asked eagerly.

Caroline chuckled and nodded, "Of course, my dear. This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations. It was my mother's specialty, and now it's mine. I'd be honored to share it with you."

I watched as Caroline carefully measured out the ingredients and explained each step of the cooking process in detail. She told me about how her mother used to make this soup for her and her siblings when they were growing up, and how it always brought them comfort and warmth on cold winter days.

As the soup simmered on the stove, Caroline and I sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea and sharing stories. She told me about the time she accidentally added too much garlic to the soup and had to start over from scratch, and I shared my own mishaps in the kitchen.

Finally, after what felt like hours, the soup was ready. Caroline ladled it into bowls and garnished it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. We sat down to enjoy our meal, and with each spoonful of the chunky tomato soup, I felt a sense of nostalgia and comfort wash over me.

After lunch, I thanked Caroline for sharing her family recipe with me. She smiled and said, "It's a pleasure to pass on this tradition to someone who appreciates it as much as you do. Now, go home and make some of your own memories with this soup."

And that's exactly what I did. I rushed home to my own kitchen, armed with the recipe for Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup and a heart full of gratitude. I gathered the ingredients and followed Caroline's instructions to a tee, savoring the familiar scents and flavors as they filled my home.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, I thought about the many recipes I had collected over the years from friends, family, and strangers alike. Each one held a special place in my heart, a connection to the past and a bridge to the future.

And now, as I sit down at the table with a steaming bowl of Mom's Chunky Tomato Soup in front of me, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul. I am grateful for the recipes that have shaped me into the cook I am today, and I look forward to sharing them with future generations to come.