Grilled Cheese with Tomato Basil Soup

1.    Make the Tomato Soup

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

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

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

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

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

Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil for extra creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.

2.    Make the Grilled Cheese

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

Place 4 slices of bread in the skillet, and layer each with a slice of cheese and handful of spinach. Top with the remaining bread slices.

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

Remove from the skillet and slice into halves or quarters.

3.    Serve

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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