I was browsing Pinterest and came across Panera’s tomato soup recipe. I was surprised to find even more of their recipes right on their website. I think this is both good and bad business practice at the same time. If you can make it yourself why pay a bunch of money for it? Oh well, I’m fine with it! Note: this makes a massive recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 9 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 large onions, very finely chopped
- 8 cups chicken stock or low-salt chicken broth
- 2 – 28oz cans peeled plum tomatoes, drained and crushed
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Parmesan Reggiano rind (optional)
- 8 ounces crusty Sourdough croutons
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese shavings
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Asiago cheese
Heat olive oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onions and saute until very tender, about 25 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute. Add chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, cheeses and cheese rind. Simmer soup uncovered 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper. For smoother texture, puree in blender or food processor before serving.
Ladle soup into sourdough bread bowls or regular bowls. Add croutons, torn basil, and Parmesan cheese shavings just before serving. Enjoy!
* I didn’t like the chunky texture, so I pureed a little at a time in my blender. If you decide to do this only fill up the blender about halfway otherwise hot soup can shoot out the top. Or at least that’s what I’ve heard…
Next time I make this I’m going to grate the onions so they’re nice and fine, and puree the tomatoes before I add them to the pot. Hope this helps! If anyone tries that comment and let me know how it works.
amyschobinger 