Healing Tomato Soup

Published on October 8, 2025
By Paige Norman

When Jake and I both came down with Covid in August, all we wanted was something simple, soothing, and full of goodness. We didn’t have the energy for anything complicated, but I still wanted comfort food that would nourish us while feeling like a little hug in a bowl. As most of you know, I don’t actually cook so Jake was more than happy to let me follow him around and take notes!

Here’s Jake’s Hearty Healing Tomato Soup paired with the ultimate gooey cheese toastie. It’s the perfect recipe for when you’re under the weather, or simply craving a cosy night in.

The Recipe

Ingredients (serves 2)

For the soup:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red onion, finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic (we love garlic, so do less if you don’t)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 500ml vegetable or chicken stock
  • A tray full of chopped tomatoes
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • A splash of cream or a knob of butter (optional, for richness)
  • Fresh basil (if you have some on hand)

For the cheese toasties:

  • 4 slices of good bread (sourdough works beautifully)
  • Butter, for spreading
  • Plenty of strong cheddar (or a mix with mozzarella for extra gooeyness)

Method

Make the soup

  1. Chop tomatoes and onions and place into a roasting tray.
  2. Add garlic and time and roast and drizzle your olive oil.
  3. Roast at 200 degrees until tomatoes have a good colour.
  4. Once coloured, add tomatoes, water and stock into a pan, bring to the boil for 5-10mins, then reduce to a simmer for 15–20 minutes.
  5. Add double cream and basil, more if you like it creamier.
  6. Blend until smooth (or leave it chunky if you like rustic).

Make the cheese toasties

  1. Butter the outside of each bread slice.
  2. Pile cheese generously in the middle and sandwich together.
  3. Fry in a hot pan until golden and crisp on both sides, with the cheese melted through.

Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with a swirl of cream or fresh basil, and dunk your oozy toastie straight in.

Sometimes the simplest things – a bowl of tomato soup and a cheese toastie – are exactly what you need to feel better, whether you’re fighting off a virus after a long run of events or just a grey day.

Here’s to healing, comfort, and lots of melted cheese.