Panera Bread's Famous Tomato Soup: A Copycat Recipe
Are you craving that delicious, velvety smooth tomato soup from Panera Bread? You don't have to travel to your nearest location to enjoy it! This recipe closely mimics the restaurant's beloved version, allowing you to savor the rich, flavorful soup from the comfort of your own home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow, authentic-tasting Panera tomato soup recipe.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring a quick and easy cooking process. Here's what you'll need to gather:
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A good quality olive oil will elevate the flavor of your soup.
- 1 large onion, chopped: The foundation of flavor for many soups.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent and savory touch.
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes: The star of the show! Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained: The undrained juice adds extra flavor and richness.
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer taste): Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Classic Italian herb that complements tomatoes beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Another aromatic herb that adds depth of flavor.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Adjust according to your taste preference.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: A touch of black pepper enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional): For an extra creamy and luxurious finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Panera-style tomato soup:
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Simmer and Blend: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper flavor. Once simmered, carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. Caution: Be careful when blending hot liquids. Vent the blender lid to prevent pressure build-up.
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Finishing Touches: Return the blended soup to the pot. If using, stir in the heavy cream. Heat through gently, being careful not to boil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with a swirl of cream, fresh basil leaves, or a crusty bread roll for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For a smoother soup: Strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending for an exceptionally smooth texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Roasted tomatoes: For a deeper, smoky flavor, roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup.
- Add vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding carrots, celery, or zucchini during the sautéing process.
This copycat Panera tomato soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a comforting and flavorful soup perfect for any occasion. Enjoy! Remember to share your creations and tag us on social media! We'd love to see your culinary masterpieces.
