Give Canned Tomato Soup A Creamy Fiber Boost With This Store-Bought Ingredient

We've looked at lots of ways to elevate a grilled cheese sandwich, but its common bedfellow of canned tomato soup has remained somewhat in the shadows. Fresh or dried basil is one of several herbs that make canned soup in general shine, but it's not the only ingredient that could do so. Mashed potato is on many household menus in the cooler months, and if you're anything like us, store-bought varieties (whether from the grocery deli or even a box of the instant sort) are extra convenient and nearly always include plenty of leftovers. To help use them up, dollop a generous spoonful in a bowl, crack open a can of tomato soup, and marry the two for a thick, creamy meal that even carries some health benefits.

Those buttery, fluffy taters are a good source of dietary fiber, which has quite a role to play in your body as it breaks down into soluble and insoluble forms. The former slows down our digestive system, helping us feel fuller for longer, while the latter helps to keep our bowels in tickety-boo shape. Mashed potatoes with the skins on contain more fiber, and if we make them using lower-fat milk or spreads, they're even better for us and can still taste just as unctuous.

Anecdotally, one Redditor with diverticulitis said that "When I start to get a flareup, this is what I ALWAYS eat: mashed potatoes and tomato soup," claiming it helped them deal with flare-ups (though online advice definitely doesn't supersede a conversation with your doctor). The combo has lots of other nutritional benefits too, including serving up potassium, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants such as lycopene.

Apart from the welcome fiber boost, the team-up of canned tomato soup and mashed potato ticks a lot of other boxes. It's a cheap and easy meal for budget-minded cooks, can count amongst the foods that help older adults get their essential nutrients, and is a delicious comfort food when we need to wrap ourselves in a foodie hug. Canned soup has long been a pantry staple for families on a budget, too, but this pair-up works whether you're using homemade or store-bought versions of either food.

It's also ridiculously convenient to put together, as the mix of soup and mashed potatoes cooks quickly in a microwave, especially if you're using leftover or pre-made potatoes. Even if you have to mash a can of taters before combining them with your soup, it won't gobble up too much of your lunch hour, and you'll still end up with a rich, magnificent dish. We love to drag a chunk of crusty sourdough through it, while throwing in any leftover bacon to amp up the flavor is always a treat. Of course, it's delicious when served with a piping hot grilled cheese.