Description

Have you ever wondered if a bowl of soup could look like vampire blood and taste like a warm, cozy hug? Picture a rich, red tomato soup that’s perfect for Halloween, paired with cheesy sandwiches cut into spooky shapes like pumpkins or ghosts. Sounds like a meal that’s perfect for a spooky party, right? This Vampire Blood Tomato Soup with Muenster Sammies is an intermediate recipe that takes just 20 minutes of active prep and will thrill your guests with its eerie look and delicious flavor

Ingredients

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.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

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.