Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Panera Tomato Soup. This homemade version of the beloved Panera Bread classic will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. With its velvety texture and robust tomato taste, this soup is perfect for cozy evenings or as a delightful starter for any meal. Get ready to experience the epitome of comfort in a bowl!
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serving: 4 servings
Yield: Approximately 6 cups
Calories: 180 per serving
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth
- 1 can (28 oz/800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Blender or immersion blender
- Soup ladle
- Soup bowls or mugs
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring continuously. This will help prevent lumps from forming. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: After simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Use a blender or an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a traditional blender, work in batches to avoid overfilling. Be cautious as the soup will be hot.
Step 6: Return the soup to the pot and place it back on low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and heat through, but avoid boiling.
Step 7: Once heated, ladle the Panera Tomato Soup into bowls or mugs. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks:
- For a touch of freshness, garnish the soup with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or a dollop of sour cream.
- Croutons or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil can add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor to the soup.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while simmering the soup.
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 180
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 2g
Final Thoughts:
Panera Tomato Soup is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. Its creamy texture, combined with the tanginess of tomatoes and aromatic herbs, creates a truly satisfying experience. Whether you enjoy it on its own or pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich, this homemade version will surely impress your taste buds. Indulge in a bowl of Panera Tomato Soup and let its warmth embrace you.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out this informative YouTube video for a visual reference. It provides additional guidance and tips to help you recreate this tasty dish. Expand your recipe repertoire and take your cooking to the next level. Enjoy!
FAQ
Q1: Can I freeze the Panera Tomato Soup?
A1: Yes, you can freeze the Panera Tomato Soup for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Q2: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes in Panera Tomato Soup?
A2: Absolutely! If you have ripe tomatoes on hand, you can blanch, peel, and chop them to substitute for canned crushed tomatoes in Panera Tomato Soup. Use approximately 2 1/2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes.
Q3: Can I make Panera Tomato Soup vegetarian or vegan?
A3: Yes, you can easily make Panera Tomato Soup vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth. To make it vegan, replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to Panera Tomato Soup?
A4: Certainly! While the classic recipe focuses on tomatoes, feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture of Panera Tomato Soup.
Q5: How can I make Panera Tomato Soup less creamy?
A5: If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream in Panera Tomato Soup or substitute it with milk or a lighter cream alternative. Adjust the quantity to your desired level of creaminess.
Q6: Can I make Panera Tomato Soup gluten-free?
A6: Yes, you can make Panera Tomato Soup gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour or a thickening agent like cornstarch instead of regular flour.
Q7: Can I add protein to Panera Tomato Soup?
A7: Absolutely! You can add protein to Panera Tomato Soup by incorporating cooked and shredded chicken, cooked crumbled bacon, or cooked lentils. Simply stir in the protein of your choice after pureeing the soup.
Q8: Can I make Panera Tomato Soup spicy?
A8: Yes, if you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to Panera Tomato Soup while simmering. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
Q9: Can I make Panera Tomato Soup ahead of time?
A9: Certainly! You can make Panera Tomato Soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Q10: Can I use an alternative herb instead of basil and oregano in Panera Tomato Soup?
A10: Absolutely! If you prefer different flavors, you can experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley in Panera Tomato Soup. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preferences.
Q11: Can I use an immersion blender instead of a regular blender for Panera Tomato Soup?
A11: Yes, an immersion blender can be used directly in the pot to puree Panera Tomato Soup. It’s convenient and eliminates the need to transfer hot soup to a blender.
Q12: Can I adjust the thickness of Panera Tomato Soup?
A12: Certainly! If you prefer a thicker Panera Tomato Soup, you can increase the amount of flour used for thickening. Alternatively, if you want a thinner consistency, simply add a little more vegetable broth.
Q13: Can I add additional seasonings to Panera Tomato Soup?
A13: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the flavor of Panera Tomato Soup by adding your favorite seasonings such as a dash of Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Q14: Can I make croutons at home to serve with Panera Tomato Soup?
A14: Yes, you can make homemade croutons by cubing stale bread, tossing it with olive oil and seasonings, and baking it in the oven until crispy. They make a delightful accompaniment to Panera Tomato Soup.
Q15: Can I double the Panera Tomato Soup recipe to serve a larger crowd?
A15: Certainly! This Panera Tomato Soup recipe can easily be doubled or adjusted to suit your serving needs. Simply multiply the ingredients accordingly and follow the same steps.
