It’s late October and lucky for me I still have tomatoes on the vine in my garden. These late red beauties have perfect timing. Cool autumn weather has arrived and I have a craving for spicy tomato soup and a thick gooey grilled cheese sandwich. This roasted tomato soup recipe from 12 tomatoes is super easy and has a delicious smokey flavor. Pair it up with my Three Cheese & Prosciutto Panini and you’ve got a dynamic duo.

Roasted Tomato Soup

adapted from 12 Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 5 large tomatoes, cut into 3/4″ slices
• 1 onion, cut into 1/2″ slices
• 1/2 jalapeno, cut in half lengthwise, seeded
• 2 bell peppers, seeded, cut into 4 pieces
• 2 cloves garlic
• olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (or chipotle sauce, see note)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• black pepper to taste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• a few tablespoons heavy cream or creme fraiche

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Spread vegetables on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat well. Roast until tender, 20-25 minutes.

Put roasted vegetables into a Vitamix or blender with paprika, basil, salt, pepper,  vegetable broth and cream. Blend to a smooth puree.  Pour into soup pot and simmer over low heat 10 -15 minutes.  Add additional seasonings as desired.

Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese and croutons.  Makes 4 servings.

Note: if you can’t find smoked paprika, you can use a chipotle or adobo sauce instead. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more according to your taste.

Three Cheese & Prosciutto Panini

Country Italian Bread

Sun-dried Tomato Pesto

Thinly sliced prosciutto

Sliced or shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Sliced Monterey Jack Cheese

Freshly grated parmesan

Slice bread for sandwiches. Spread pesto on insides of both slices. Layer jack cheese, prosciutto, mozzarella and  parmesan on one slice of bread. Top with 2nd slice. Butter top of bread and place butter side down on panini press. Butter top side of sandwich. Press lid tightly and grill until bread is toasted and cheese has melted.