Are you craving that rich, comforting bowl of creamy tomato soup you get at Panera Bread? Well, stop craving and start cooking! This recipe recreates that beloved taste right in your own kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade, delicious, and healthy meals! This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Optional: Crusty bread for dipping
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
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Combine the Tomatoes and Broth: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Simmer for Flavor: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
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Blend for Creaminess: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. Work in batches if using a regular blender, being cautious of hot liquids.
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Stir in the Cream and Seasonings: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream), sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat through gently, but do not boil.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve with crusty bread for dipping. This homemade version is just as satisfying, if not more so, than the restaurant version!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For a smoother soup, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
- If you prefer a chunkier soup, simply reduce the blending time or skip it altogether.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You might want to add more sugar for sweetness, or more salt and pepper for a bolder flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Variations:
- Roasted Tomato Soup: Roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Creamy Tomato Soup with Cheese: Stir in some shredded Parmesan cheese or a dollop of crème fraîche before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy and delicious Panera Bread creamy tomato soup recipe is a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be both simple and satisfying. Enjoy this best recipe for a comforting and flavorful meal any time!