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The Best Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (Panera Copycat)

As the chill of autumn settles in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of creamy tomato basil soup. This luscious soup, reminiscent of the beloved offering from Panera Bread, is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make at home. Perfect for a light lunch or a cosy dinner, its rich flavours and velvety texture are sure to please both the palate and the soul. Here’s how to create your very own version of this café favourite in the comfort of your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (400g each) of whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
• 1 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

For Garnish:

• Extra basil leaves
• A drizzle of cream or olive oil

Instructions

1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
   Begin by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5–7 minutes until softened and translucent. Next, incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant aroma.

2. Cooking the Tomatoes:
   Pour in the canned whole tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir in the sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes. This simmering time is essential as it helps to develop the flavours.

3. Blending the Soup:
   Once the tomatoes have cooked and softened, remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you could transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, but be cautious as the mixture will be hot.

4. Finishing Touches:
   After blending, return the soup to the saucepan and stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil. If desired, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavour profile. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the basil to infuse its aroma into the soup.

5. Taste and Adjust:
   Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar, depending on your preference.

6. Serve:
   Ladle the creamy tomato basil soup into bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of cream or olive oil for a touch of elegance.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy tomato basil soup pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. For a hearty meal, serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich, allowing the gooey cheese to blend wonderfully with the soup’s flavours. Alternatively, it can be enjoyed with a fresh baguette or a side salad for a lighter option.

Conclusion

This creamy tomato basil soup is not just a replica of the Panera favourite; it’s a delightful dish that you can easily customise to your taste. The warm, rich flavours combined with the freshness of basil create a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, whether you’re warming up after a brisk walk or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this soup is sure to become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!

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