Photography by Queon “Q” Martin.
“Something comforting and simple for
a chilly winter day.”
Ultimate Grilled Cheese and
Winter Vegetable Soup
Course: Lunch/Dinner
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serving Size: Varies (1 sandwich, lots of soup)
Ingredients:
Ultimate Grilled Cheese
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- oz. sundried tomato dressing
- 2 oz. feta
- Two slices cheddar cheese
- 2 slices tomato
- 2 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 slices American cheese
Winter Vegetable Soup
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 cups onion, diced
- 2 cups celery, diced
- 2 cups carrot, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 1 bulb fennel, chopped
- 1 15 oz. can tomato paste
- 1 15 oz. can cannellini beans
- 12 oz. mushrooms
- 1 quart vegetable stock
- 1 tsp. each of fresh thyme, dried oregano, basil and rosemary
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Ultimate Grilled Cheese
- Prep entire sandwich by putting all contents on panini bread.
- Microwave sandwich for 1.5 minutes.
- Brush oil on each side of bread.
- Place sandwich on panini grill or hot frying pan and grill for 2-3 minutes, flipping once until golden brown and cheese is melted through the middle.
Winter Vegetable Soup
- Sauté onion in olive oil until translucent.
- Add celery, garlic, and carrot and cook for 7-8 minutes.
- Add kale, fennel, tomato paste, cannellini beans, mushrooms, vegetable stock, thyme, oregano, basil and rosemary and bring to a simmer.
- Cook until veggies are tender and then turn off heat.
- Add salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar and soy sauce to taste.
Restaurant Information: When in Richmond, Virginia, stop by Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream located at 3600 Forest Hill Ave for some of their appetizing coffee, food, and desserts.