Warm Up with This Rich and Creamy Tomato Soup
Warm up with this delicious and comforting tomato soup that you can easily make at home. This rich and creamy tomato soup is the perfect copycat of the popular Panera tomato soup. It pairs perfectly with a melty grilled cheese sandwich for a satisfying meal. Whether it’s a chilly day or you just need a warm hug in a bowl, this recipe is sure to delight.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own tomato soup is simple and rewarding. You can use fresh ingredients and control what goes into it, ensuring a healthy meal. This recipe is quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy dish. Plus, it has that same creamy flavor that you love from Panera, without the need to head out.
How to Make Warm and Creamy Tomato Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices and vegetable broth.
- Add sugar, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and heat through.
- Serve warm with grilled cheese.
How to Serve Warm and Creamy Tomato Soup
Serve this tomato soup hot in a bowl. It goes well with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich or some crusty bread. You can also sprinkle some fresh basil or croutons on top for an extra touch. Enjoy your cozy meal!
How to Store Warm and Creamy Tomato Soup
If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.
Tips to Make Warm and Creamy Tomato Soup
- Use good quality tomatoes, like San Marzano, for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more basil or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- If you want a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
Variations
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or celery to enhance the flavor and nutrition. You can also stir in some cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You will need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Blanch them first to make peeling easier.
Is this tomato soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Just use a plant-based cream alternative and the vegetable broth to keep it completely vegan.
Rich and Creamy Tomato Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes Use canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 2 cups vegetable broth Ensure it's gluten-free if needed.
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or whole milk.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices and vegetable broth.
- Add sugar, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat through.