Vampire Blood Tomato Soup with Muenster Sammies

Essential Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a spooky, savory meal. Here’s what you’ll need, why each one matters, and some substitutions:

For the Soup

• Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Cooks the vegetables and adds healthy fats.
  • Substitution: Use avocado oil or vegetable oil.
• Fennel Bulb (1/2, chopped, about 2 1/2 cups): Adds a mild, sweet flavor.
  • Substitution: Use celery or omit for a simpler taste.
• Onion (1/2 large, chopped, about 1 cup): Provides savory depth.
  • Substitution: Use shallots or leeks.
• Garlic (4 cloves, smashed): Adds bold flavor.
  • Substitution: Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
• Kosher Salt (1 1/4 teaspoons): Enhances flavors.
  • Substitution: Use 3/4 teaspoon table salt.
• Fennel Seed (1 teaspoon): Boosts the fennel flavor.
  • Substitution: Use anise seed or omit.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a spicy kick.
  • Substitution: Use cayenne or omit for no heat.
• Plum Tomatoes (28-ounce can, preferably San Marzano): Forms the rich, red base.
  • Substitution: Use diced or crushed tomatoes.
• Vegetable Broth (2 cups, homemade or low-sodium canned): Adds depth and thins the soup.
  • Substitution: Use chicken broth or water.
• Tomato Juice (2 cups): Enhances the tomato flavor.
  • Substitution: Use more broth or water with tomato paste.
• Basil Leaves (6, torn): Adds fresh, herby flavor.
  • Substitution: Use dried basil (1 teaspoon) or parsley.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the soup.
  • Substitution: Use lime juice or white vinegar.
• Black Pepper (to taste): Adds seasoning.
  • Substitution: Use white pepper.

For the Muenster Sammies

• Westphalian Pumpernickel or Thin Black Bread (16 slices, 3 1/2-inch squares): Forms the dark, spooky bread base.
  • Substitution: Use rye or whole wheat bread.
• Apple Jelly (1/2 cup): Adds sweet contrast to the cheese.
  • Substitution: Use apricot jam or honey.
• Muenster Cheese (8 slices, about 3 ounces): Melts smoothly for a creamy texture.
  • Substitution: Use provolone or mozzarella.
• Yellow Cheddar Cheese (8 slices, about 3 ounces): Adds sharp flavor.
  • Substitution: Use white cheddar or Colby.
• Optional Garnishes: Dill pickle rounds, fennel fronds, Spanish olives with pimentos.
  • Substitution: Use any pickles or herbs.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Tomatoes and fennel provide vitamins A and C, making the soup nutritious. The olive oil adds healthy fats, and the cheese in the sammies offers protein and calcium. The dark bread and spooky garnishes create a vampire-themed look, perfect for Halloween. The ingredients are widely available and adaptable for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets, making this recipe versatile for party planning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s make this spooky meal step-by-step. It’s fun and easier than it sounds!

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

• In a medium sauce pot, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add 2 1/2 cups chopped fennel, 1 cup chopped onion, 4 smashed garlic cloves, 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon fennel seed, and 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
• Cook, stirring, until vegetables soften and brown slightly, about 5 minutes.

Tip: Stir often to prevent burning.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes

• Drain the juice from a 28-ounce can of plum tomatoes and reserve it.
• Gently crush the tomatoes with your hands.
• Add the tomatoes to the pot, increase heat to high, and cook until they brown slightly, about 5 minutes.

Tip: Crushing by hand gives a rustic texture.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

• Add the reserved tomato juice, 2 cups vegetable broth, 2 cups tomato juice, and 6 torn basil leaves.
• Bring to a boil, stir, then reduce heat to medium-low.
• Cover and cook until vegetables are soft and soup thickens, about 30 minutes.

Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Puree and Season

• Remove pot from heat and puree the soup in batches using an immersion blender, regular blender, or food processor.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and season with black pepper to taste.

Tip: Blend until smooth for a creamy texture.

Step 5: Make the Muenster Sammies

• Toast 16 slices of Westphalian pumpernickel or black bread in a toaster or toaster oven until slightly crisp, about 5 minutes.
• Spread one side of each slice with apple jelly (1/2 cup total).
• Layer 8 slices with 1 slice each of Muenster and yellow cheddar cheese.
• Top with another slice of bread, jelly side down.
• Use cookie cutters (pumpkins, ghosts, black cats, bats, or witches) to cut into spooky shapes, if desired.

Tip: Press gently when cutting to keep sandwiches intact.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Serve the soup hot in bowls.
• Add optional garnishes like dill pickle rounds, fennel fronds, or Spanish olives with pimentos.
• Serve sammies on the side or on top of the soup.

Tip: Arrange garnishes creatively for a spooky effect.