10 minute white bean soup toasted cheese and tomato
Eura Jaksch
Ingredients
Sure, here's a list of ingredients you'll need:
**For the White Bean Soup:**
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 ounces canned drained cannellini beans, rinsed (or other white beans), divided
- 10 ounces sliced baby spinach
- 3 cups unsalted chicken broth (can also use vegetarian broth for vegan)
- zest of 1/2 lemon
- salt and black pepper, to taste
**For the Toasted Cheese and Tomato:**
- 2 slices thick-cut sourdough bread
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 thick slices cheddar cheese
- 2 thick slices tomato
- optional seasonings: hot sauce, salt and pepper
This dish combines protein-rich cannellini beans, antioxidant-rich spinach, and the tangy taste of lemon zest, offering nutritional benefits beyond traditional tomato soup and grilled cheese."
Steps
## 10-Minute White Bean Soup Grilled Cheese and Tomato
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
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### Ingredients:
**For the Soup**:
- 1 can (15 ounces) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**For the Toasted Cheese:**
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 slices tomato
- Salt and pepper to taste
### Instructions:
**Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Preheat Pan**
1. Gather all the necessary ingredients listed above.
2. Place a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
**Step 2: Make the White Bean Soup**
1. Add the rinsed and drained white beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), low-sodium chicken broth, chopped onion, red bell pepper, celery, garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the skillet or saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
3. Let the soup simmer for 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
**Step 3: Prepare the Toasted Cheese**
- Meanwhile, in a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter for each grilled cheese sandwich.
- Place one slice of sourdough bread buttered-side down onto the heated skillet or griddle and top with cheese and tomato slices evenly.
- Sprinkle some salt and pepper, to taste. Top with another slice of buttered sourdough bread, buttered-side up.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwich while cooking if needed, this helps the sandwich cook evenly and become nice and crisp.
- Once the bottom slice is golden brown, carefully flip the grilled cheese using two spatulas so as not to lose or spill any ingredients, or you can cover with a large plate and invert in one swift motion instead. Allow another 1-2 minutes for the remaining sourdough loaf to brown completely and the other slices of cheese to fully melt before removing skillet from heat. Repeat for remaining three grilled cheese sandwiches.
**Step 4: Assembly and Serve**
- Ladle the hot white bean soup into a serving bowl and place a toasted cheese and tomato sandwich on top of the soup to finish your quick and satisfying meal.
Enjoy this wholesome and comforting combination of a 10-minute white bean soup with an equally speedy toasted cheese and tomato sandwich – a truly irresistible comfort food made in no time! For more recipe guidance, serving suggestions, and variations, refer to the detailed guide below.
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### Extra Recipe Guidance, Serving Suggestions, and Variations:
- **Soup Enhancements**:
- You can enhance the overall flavors and consistency of the soup by blending part of it during its preparation. Simply scoop about half of the simmering soup and place it carefully into a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Return this creamy mixture to the remaining half of the soup in the skillet for an indulgent textural experience.
- **Toasted Cheese Customizations**:
- Don't hesitate to make the grilled cheese your own! While sharp cheddar is recommended, various cheese varieties can work, including mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and provolone. Add-ons like bacon, ham, arugula, or other toppings of your choice also make great additions to suit your preferences.
- Experiment with different types of bread as well. Thick-cut and crusty bread like French bread, ciabatta, or multigrain sourdough can elevate the sandwich texture.
- **Serving Options**:
- Apart from being placed atop the soup, the grilled cheese and tomato sandwich can also be served beside the soup in case people want distinct serving plates, but the beauty of having it placed onto the steaming soup enhances the overall culinary experience, allowing flavors to blend exceptionally well.
- For extra flair, pair this comforting pairing with your preferred choice of breadsticks, a simple green salad tossed in the dressing of your choosing, or any other complementary finger foods to round out your meal. Don't forget a refreshing side beverage such as lemonade, fruit-infused water, or sparkling juice.