Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsThe MonicaGrilled Cheese & Today's Soup Recipe

Grilled Cheese & Today's Soup Recipe

Inspired by The Monica
Time25m
Serves1

barrio grains seed bread, american cheese, & cup of today's soup

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Ingredients

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Grilled Cheese

Method

Grilled Cheese

  1. 1

    Prep

    Butter one side of each slice of Barrio Grains seed bread evenly with the softened butter. The buttered sides will be the exterior of the sandwich.

  2. 2

    Assemble

    Place one slice of bread buttered-side down on a plate or cutting board. Top with 2 slices of American cheese (overlap slightly if needed). Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered-side up.

  3. 3

    Cook

    Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Once hot, transfer the assembled sandwich to the skillet. Cook gently for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to soften. Flip the sandwich carefully and cook another 3–4 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted. If the crust is browning too fast before the cheese melts, lower the heat, cover the pan loosely with a lid for 30–60 seconds to trap heat, then finish uncovered.

  4. 4

    Finish & Serve

    Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let rest 1 minute. Cut on the diagonal if desired and serve immediately alongside the cup of soup.

Today's Soup (Tomato-Basil, cup)

  1. 5

    Prep

    Measure and have all ingredients ready: crush or open canned tomatoes, finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and pick/bunch the basil leaves.

  2. 6

    Sauté aromatics

    In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until translucent and softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more until fragrant but not browned.

  3. 7

    Simmer soup

    Add 1 cup crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup vegetable broth to the pan with the aromatics. Stir to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer. Add 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and slightly thicken.

  4. 8

    Blend & finish

    Remove the pan from heat. Add the fresh basil leaves and, using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender and puree, then return to the pan). Stir in 1 tablespoon heavy cream if using, then reheat gently over low heat just until warm. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a pinch more sugar if needed.

  5. 9

    Serve

    Ladle approximately 1 cup into a warmed cup or bowl. Garnish with a small basil leaf or a tiny drizzle of cream if desired. Serve immediately with the grilled cheese.

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