Arabella Lombardi Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Panera Bread’s iconic Tomato Soup with this meticulously crafted recipe. Featuring a symphony of ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a touch of creaminess, this soup promises to warm your soul and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
- Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the soup has thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and basil.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve warm with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
Tips for Cooking Panera Bread Tomato Soup:
Tip 1: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. Look for tomatoes that are packed in juice, not water.
Tip 2: Don’t skip browning the onion. This step adds depth and sweetness to the soup.
Tip 3: Simmer the soup for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Tip 4: Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Tip 5: Garnish the soup with fresh basil or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tip 6: For a creamier soup, blend the soup until smooth with an immersion blender or in a regular blender.
Tip 7: Add a grilled cheese sandwich on the side for a classic Panera Bread experience.
Tip 8: Freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Benefits of Panera Bread Tomato Soup:
This homemade Panera Bread Tomato Soup offers numerous benefits:
- It’s packed with antioxidants from the tomatoes, which can help protect against chronic diseases.
- The soup is a good source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune system health.
- It’s a low-fat and low-calorie meal that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
- The soup is easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences.
Summary:
Panera Bread Tomato Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed all year round. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can recreate the flavors of your favorite bakery-cafe in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal or a cozy soup to warm you up on a cold night, this Panera Bread Tomato Soup recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Panera Bread Tomato Soup Recipe
The Panera Bread Tomato Soup recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s simple to make, yet bursting with flavor. Here are six key aspects that make this soup so special:
- Fresh tomatoes: The best tomato soup starts with fresh, ripe tomatoes. Use a variety of tomatoes for a more complex flavor.
- Roasted garlic: Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and adds a touch of sweetness to the soup.
- Creamy base: A touch of cream or half-and-half gives the soup a velvety texture and rich flavor.
- Herbs and spices: Basil, oregano, and thyme are classic Italian herbs that add depth and complexity to the soup. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a hint of heat.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkling of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the soup.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: No bowl of tomato soup is complete without a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.
These six key aspects come together to create a soup that is both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter day or as a light lunch, Panera Bread Tomato Soup is sure to hit the spot.
1. Fresh tomatoes
The type of tomatoes you use will have a significant impact on the flavor of your tomato soup. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are essential for the best flavor. Avoid using canned tomatoes, as they will not produce the same depth of flavor. If possible, use a variety of tomatoes, such as Roma, San Marzano, and heirloom tomatoes. This will give your soup a more complex and flavorful taste.
Here is why fresh tomatoes are so important for Panera Bread Tomato Soup recipe:
- Fresh tomatoes are more flavorful than canned tomatoes.
- Fresh tomatoes have a higher water content, which gives the soup a thinner, more broth-like consistency.
- Fresh tomatoes are more likely to be ripe, which gives the soup a sweeter flavor.
Using fresh, ripe tomatoes is one of the most important steps in making a delicious Panera Bread Tomato Soup. By following this tip, you can ensure that your soup will be flavorful, delicious, and satisfying.
Here are some additional tips for using fresh tomatoes in your tomato soup:
- Choose tomatoes that are ripe but not overripe. Overripe tomatoes will be mushy and lack flavor.
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly before using them.
- Core the tomatoes and cut them into small pieces.
- Add the tomatoes to the soup pot and simmer until they are softened.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Panera Bread Tomato Soup will be the best it can be.
2. Roasted garlic
Roasting garlic is a simple technique that can transform the flavor of any dish. When garlic is roasted, its cloves become soft and caramelized, developing a sweet and savory flavor. This roasted garlic adds a depth of flavor to Panera Bread Tomato Soup that is simply unmatched by raw garlic.
In addition to its flavor, roasted garlic also has a number of health benefits. Garlic is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Roasting garlic actually increases its antioxidant content, making it even more beneficial for your health.
Here is why roasted garlic is so important for Panera Bread Tomato Soup recipe:
- Roasted garlic adds a rich, complex flavor to the soup.
- Roasted garlic mellows the acidity of the tomatoes, making the soup more well-rounded.
- Roasted garlic adds a touch of sweetness to the soup, balancing out the savory flavors.
If you are looking for a way to make your Panera Bread Tomato Soup even more delicious and nutritious, be sure to add roasted garlic. It is a simple step that will make a big difference in the flavor of your soup.
Here are some additional tips for roasting garlic:
- To roast garlic, simply cut off the top of the garlic head and drizzle it with olive oil. Wrap the garlic head in foil and roast it in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-45 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
- Once the garlic is roasted, let it cool slightly before squeezing the cloves out of their skins. The roasted garlic cloves can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, sauces, and marinades.
By following these tips, you can easily incorporate the delicious and nutritious benefits of roasted garlic into your Panera Bread Tomato Soup.
3. Creamy base
In the context of Panera Bread Tomato Soup, a creamy base is essential for achieving the signature velvety texture and rich flavor. By incorporating a touch of cream or half-and-half, the soup gains a smooth and luxurious mouthfeel that enhances the overall eating experience.
- Emulsification: Cream and half-and-half contain fat, which acts as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help to blend the water-based and fat-based components of the soup, creating a stable and homogeneous mixture with a smooth texture.
- Flavor enhancement: Cream and half-and-half add a subtle sweetness and richness to the soup, complementing the tangy flavor of the tomatoes. The fat content also helps to carry and distribute the flavors of the other ingredients throughout the soup.
- Texture modification: The addition of cream or half-and-half thickens the soup slightly, giving it a more substantial and satisfying texture. This creaminess also helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a well-rounded and harmonious flavor profile.
- Visual appeal: The creamy base imparts a visually appealing color and sheen to the soup, making it more inviting and appetizing. The smooth, velvety texture also contributes to the overall presentation of the dish.
In conclusion, the creamy base plays a crucial role in defining the sensory experience of Panera Bread Tomato Soup. Its velvety texture, rich flavor, and visual appeal are all essential elements that contribute to the soup’s enduring popularity and widespread enjoyment.
4. Herbs and spices
The combination of herbs and spices used in Panera Bread Tomato Soup is a key element that sets it apart from other tomato soup recipes. The classic Italian herbs of basil, oregano, and thyme add depth and complexity to the soup, while a pinch of red pepper flakes provides a subtle hint of heat.
Basil is a sweet and slightly minty herb that adds a fresh, aromatic flavor to the soup. Oregano is a more robust herb with a slightly bitter taste that balances out the sweetness of the basil. Thyme is a woodsy herb that adds a subtle earthiness to the soup. The combination of these three herbs creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both complex and inviting.
Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the soup, but they are used sparingly so as not to overpower the other flavors. The heat from the red pepper flakes helps to balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes and adds a touch of complexity to the soup.
The herbs and spices used in Panera Bread Tomato Soup are not only flavorful, but they also offer a number of health benefits. Basil is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Oregano is a good source of fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Thyme is a good source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for a healthy immune system.
In conclusion, the combination of herbs and spices used in Panera Bread Tomato Soup is essential for achieving the soup’s signature flavor and aroma. These herbs and spices not only add flavor and complexity to the soup, but they also offer a number of health benefits.
5. Grated Parmesan cheese
In the context of Panera Bread Tomato Soup, grated Parmesan cheese plays a significant role in enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup. Its distinct salty and nutty characteristics complement the tangy sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a harmonious and well-rounded taste experience.
- Umami enhancer: Parmesan cheese is rich in glutamates, which contribute to its characteristic savory or umami flavor. When added to the soup, it enhances the overall depth and complexity of the taste, making it more satisfying and appealing.
- Flavor balance: The salty flavor of Parmesan cheese helps to balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a more harmonious and well-rounded flavor profile. This balance prevents the soup from becoming overly sweet or bland, ensuring a satisfying taste experience with every spoonful.
- Texture contrast: The grated texture of Parmesan cheese provides a contrasting textural element to the smooth and creamy soup. When sprinkled on top, the cheese adds a slight crunchiness that adds interest and depth to the overall eating experience.
- Visual appeal: A sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese adds a visually appealing finishing touch to the soup. The golden color of the cheese contrasts beautifully with the vibrant red color of the soup, making it more inviting and appetizing.
In conclusion, the addition of grated Parmesan cheese to Panera Bread Tomato Soup is an essential element that contributes to its distinctive and beloved flavor. Its salty, nutty characteristics, umami-enhancing properties, and textural contrast elevate the soup to a culinary delight that is both satisfying and visually appealing.
6. Grilled cheese sandwich
The combination of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches is a classic for a reason. The rich, savory flavors of the soup pair perfectly with the gooey, melted cheese and crispy bread of the sandwich. This combination is not only delicious, but it is also comforting and nostalgic, evoking memories of childhood and simpler times.
- Comfort food: Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches are both considered comfort foods. They are simple, satisfying dishes that can warm you up on a cold day or make you feel better when you’re feeling under the weather. The combination of the two is the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Nostalgia: For many people, tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches are associated with childhood memories. This combination is often served in schools and cafeterias, and it can bring back fond memories of simpler times.
- Perfect pairing: The flavors of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches complement each other perfectly. The tangy sweetness of the soup pairs well with the salty, gooey cheese and the crispy bread. The two dishes are also both relatively easy to make, making them a great option for a quick and easy meal.
In conclusion, the combination of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches is a classic for a reason. It is a delicious, comforting, and nostalgic dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Panera Bread Tomato Soup Recipe: A Culinary Delight
Panera Bread Tomato Soup is a beloved recipe known for its rich, creamy texture and enticing blend of flavors. This classic soup has become a staple in many households and restaurants, offering a comforting and satisfying culinary experience.
The origins of Panera Bread Tomato Soup can be traced back to the early 2000s when the bakery-cafe chain introduced it as a signature item. Since then, the soup has gained immense popularity, captivating taste buds with its unique combination of fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of creaminess.
Panera Bread Tomato Soup Recipe FAQs
Panera Bread Tomato Soup is a beloved recipe that has captured the hearts of many. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this culinary delight:
Question 1: What is the secret to Panera Bread Tomato Soup’s creamy texture?
Answer: The creamy texture of Panera Bread Tomato Soup comes from the use of heavy cream, which is added towards the end of the cooking process. The cream adds a velvety richness to the soup without overpowering the fresh tomato flavor.
Question 2: Can I substitute other types of tomatoes for the fresh tomatoes in the recipe?
Answer: While fresh tomatoes are preferred for their vibrant flavor and juiciness, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes or tomato puree. However, using fresh tomatoes will yield a more robust and flavorful soup.
Question 3: What herbs and spices are essential for achieving the classic Panera Bread Tomato Soup flavor?
Answer: The key herbs and spices used in Panera Bread Tomato Soup are basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. These herbs and spices impart a harmonious blend of aromatic flavors that complement the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Question 4: How can I make a vegan version of Panera Bread Tomato Soup?
Answer: To make a vegan version of Panera Bread Tomato Soup, you can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative such as coconut milk or cashew cream. Additionally, be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Question 5: Can I freeze Panera Bread Tomato Soup for later use?
Answer: Yes, Panera Bread Tomato Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. When ready to serve, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently over medium heat.
Summary:
Panera Bread Tomato Soup is a versatile and flavorful recipe that can be enjoyed by people of all dietary preferences. By understanding the key ingredients and techniques involved, you can easily recreate this beloved soup in your own kitchen and savor its comforting and nostalgic flavors.
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Explore additional culinary adventures by discovering other popular soup recipes and cooking techniques in the following sections.
Panera Bread Tomato Soup Recipe
In conclusion, the Panera Bread Tomato Soup recipe is a culinary masterpiece that has delighted taste buds around the world. Its harmonious blend of fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of creaminess creates a comforting and nostalgic experience. Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich, this soup is sure to warm your soul and leave you craving more.
As you embark on your culinary journey to recreate this beloved recipe, remember the key elements that define its signature flavor and texture. Fresh, ripe tomatoes provide the vibrant base, while roasted garlic adds a touch of sweetness and complexity. A creamy base, achieved through the addition of heavy cream, lends a velvety richness to the soup. Herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes, impart a harmonious blend of aromatic flavors. Finally, a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese adds a touch of salty, nutty goodness.
With careful attention to ingredients and techniques, you can effortlessly recreate the magic of Panera Bread Tomato Soup in your own kitchen. Experiment with different variations, such as adding a dollop of pesto or incorporating roasted vegetables, to create your own unique culinary masterpiece. The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are delicious.
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