Grilled Cheese with Tomato Basil Soup

Make the Tomato Soup:

1.     Heat1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2.     Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

3.     Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

4.     Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, saffron, basil, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 10-15 minutes.

5.     Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).

6.     Stir in olive oil for extra creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.

Make the Grilled Cheese:

7.     While soup simmers, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter.

8.     Place4 slices of bread in the skillet, and layer each with a slice of cheese and handful of spinach. Top with the remaining bread slices.

9.     Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

10.  Remove from the skillet and slice into halves or quarters.

Serve:

11.  Pour the hot tomato soup into bowls and top with parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Serve with the grilled cheese on the side or dipped in the soup.

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‍Total Macros:

Calories: 395.5

Protein: 20.5g

Carbs: 41g

Fat: 19.25g

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1. Tomato Soup Health Benefits:

Tomatoes (especially San Marzano): Rich in vitamins C and A, antioxidants like lycopene, and fiber.Lycopene has been linked to heart health, cancer prevention, and eye health.Tomatoes are also an excellent source of potassium and folate.

Bone Broth: Full of collagen, amino acids, and gelatin, which support joint, skin, and gut health.Bone broth is known to improve digestive health, reduce inflammation, and provide a source of minerals that are easily absorbed by the body.

Fresh Basil: Contains antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols, that protect against oxidative stress. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may help with digestive health and respiratory support.

Saffron: Known for its mood-enhancing effects, saffron has been shown to improve cognitive function, act as an antioxidant, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s also beneficial for improving digestive health and potentially reducing symptoms of depression.

Garlic: Contains allicin, a compound with well-documented immune-boosting properties, heart-health benefits(such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol), and potential anticancer effects.

Olive Oil: A great source of healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

2. Grilled Cheese Health Benefits:

Ezekiel Bread (or WholeGrain Bread): Made from sprouted grains, Ezekiel bread is more nutrient-dense than regular white bread. It’s a good source of complete protein (due to sprouting) and provides fiber, B vitamins, and minerals like iron and magnesium.

Spinach: Loaded with vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and iron, spinach promotes bone health, supports immune function, and provides a boost to digestive health due to its fiber content.

Raw Cheddar Cheese: While cheese can be calorie-dense, it provides a good source of calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle repair. Raw, unprocessed cheese retains beneficial enzymes and probiotics that support gut health.

Grass-Fed Butter: Contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which have anti-inflammatory effects and support heart health. It also provides fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin K2, important for immune and bone health.

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