It has been raining for about two days straight now. It’s cold and windy, and if this isn’t soup weather, I don’t know what is. Thank goodness Dinner with Rachel recently featured a lovely Ina Garten-inspired tomato orzo soup that’s perfect for pairing with a grilled cheese and a cold evening.
Delicious.
While Rachel prefers Kraft singles (*shudder*), I had to fancy my grilled cheese up, of course. I added some creamy smoked emmental to my standard sharp cheddar, sandwiched the combo between two slices of sourdough, buttered it into oblivion, and grilled it to perfection.
Comfort food, perfected.
According to the hubby, it was the best tomato soup ever. I tend to agree with him.
Creamy Roasted Tomato and Orzo Soup
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 2 14.5-oz cans crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
- Large pinch of saffron threads
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup orzo
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened and translucent, then turn the heat down and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to caramelize, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another minute, then add the vegetable stock, crushed tomatoes and saffron. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo for two minutes less than the package instructs.
- Drain the orzo and add it to the soup. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add the cream and stir to combine thoroughly. Remove the soup from the heat, cover and set aside. The soup is now ready to serve with your favorite grilled cheese!
This is one of the only ways I would even consider eating tomato soup. My SIL makes an amazing one with fresh tomatoes in it, where the tomatoes remain diced, and it’s heavenly. This sounds very similar, but with some awesome spices thrown in.
Jester Queen recently posted..It’s a Jungle In There
Yes, this is SO much better than smooth tomato soup, and the saffron really kicks it up a notch!
Lauren recently posted..Creamy Roasted Tomato and Orzo Soup
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is such a great combo. My favorite restaurant in Cincinnati, Tom+Chee, serves just that: grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soups.
Thanks!
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts recently posted..Mindless Sweet Potato Hash (introducing the Strategic Winter Squash Reserve)
It is the best, isn’t it? If I’m ever in Cincinnati, that restaurant will be on my list, for sure!!
Lauren recently posted..Creamy Roasted Tomato and Orzo Soup
Mmmmm…I’ve been craving tomato soup. I know what I’m making for lunch!
I loved this soup, Lauren. Perfect rainy-day food. I hand-crushed some whole tomatoes, since that’s what I had on hand, and added some smoked paprika for some smokey flavor since my tomatoes weren’t fire-roasted. I’ll definitely be making this again!
Yay!! Perfect for this rainy day, huh? Good call on the smoked paprika.
Lauren recently posted..Creamy Roasted Tomato and Orzo Soup
Yum! I made tomato soup this week but this sounds way tastier!
It is SO good. Hands-down the best tomato soup I’ve ever made.
Lauren recently posted..Creamy Roasted Tomato and Orzo Soup
Yum yum yum!! I want some now
I love the veggie version, I’ll pass along to my veggie friends!
Rachel recently posted..Hearty Tomato Soup Slash Orzo Risotto
Thanks, and thank you for the inspiration! I will definitely be making this again soon.
Lauren recently posted..Creamy Roasted Tomato and Orzo Soup
There’s really nothing better than grilled cheese with creamy tomato soup!
Michelle Collins recently posted..Lemon Tofu with Creamy Asparagus Sauce
I heartily agree!