Image Source from shirleyreinowski

A Heartwarming Delight: Panera Bread’s Tomato Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of comforting, hearty meals, Panera Bread’s Tomato Soup is likely a treasured favourite. With its creamy texture and rich tomato flavour, it pairs splendidly with a warm baguette or a classic grilled cheese sandwich. While it may be challenging to replicate the exact taste faithful to your local Panera, a homemade version can be just as satisfying and is surprisingly straightforward to make.

Ingredients

To create this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cans (400g each) of whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 cup of vegetable broth (or chicken broth if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon of sugar (to balance the acidity)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil (or a few fresh basil leaves, torn)
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned tomatoes (with their juice) and the vegetable broth. Use a spoon to break up the whole tomatoes for a smoother consistency. Stir in the sugar, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

3. Simmer: Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together beautifully.

4. Blend: Once the soup is cooked, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until you reach your desired consistency. For an ultra-smooth soup, you can transfer the mixture to a standard blender in batches. Be cautious of hot splashes!

5. Stir in the Cream: After blending, return the soup to the saucepan over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) until combined. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar as needed to suit your taste.

6. Serve: Ladle the hot tomato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a toasted grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Tips for Your Tomato Soup

• Fresh Tomatoes: In the summer months, consider using fresh tomatoes for this recipe. Use about 2 kg of ripe tomatoes, roasting them beforehand can enhance the flavour.
• Additional Flavours: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, or a splash of balsamic vinegar to deepen the taste.
• Storage: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Conclusion

Making a version of Panera Bread’s Tomato Soup at home provides not only a delicious meal but also a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories. Whether enjoyed on a chilly afternoon or served as a starter for a comforting dinner, this soup is sure to please all palates. So, roll up your sleeves and get cooking; your kitchen is about to be filled with the delightful aroma of homemade tomato soup!

No items listed in the response.