I have been dying to host a Grilled Cheese Sandwich Night with Creamy Tomato-Basil Soup ever since I tried out this recipe. This creamy tomato-basil soup with roasted garlic and fresh pesto is super simple to make and very delicious. The recipe originally came from the Nordstrom's Cafe but I found that version to be less creamy and too tangy. I adapted the recipe to be more Trader Joes-friendly to keep it simple and easy to make. I also highly recommend making your own pesto to drizzle on top for extra basil flavor and texture (just puree basil, olive oil, garlic and whatever nuts you have on had - I used walnuts). This is the perfect rainy day and cold weather soup.
Creamy Tomato-Basil Soup with Roasted Garlic
adapted from Nordstrom's Cafe
Ingredients
1 large can + 1 regular 16 oz can of Trader Joes peeled tomatoes
3 cloves roasted garlic
1 tub Trader Joes mirepoix (mixture of chopped carrots, onions and celery)
1 bunch of fresh basil
1/3 cup olive oil
6 cups of water (can add more depending on how thick you want it)
3 tablespoons chicken bouillion
1/4 cup of heavy cream to taste
salt, pepper, sugar to taste
fresh pesto
Directions
Saute mirepoix in the olive oil.
Add basil, salt, pepper and sugar.
Add canned tomatoes.
Mix chicken base and water. Add to soup and boil for 45 minutes.
Puree with blender and add cream. Season with additional sugar and salt to taste.
Top bowls of soup with a dollop of pesto and serve with grilled cheese baguette slices. Some sour cream drizzled on top would also make for a delicious soup. Enjoy!