Roasted Tomato Soup - Panera Copycat
Roasted Tomato Soup - Panera Copycat is version of Panera's Creamy Tomato Soup made with vine ripened fresh tomatoes that are roasted then combined with sauteed onions and garlic and blended with fresh basil. A great way to use up summer tomatoes!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds vine-ripened tomatoes (cut in half and insides removed)
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 ounces canned whole or chopped tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Toss tomatoes with 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Spread the tomatoes in 1 layer on a baking sheet covered in foil and roast in the oven for 45 minutes.
- In a large stockpot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with 2 tablespoons olive oil, butter, and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes until the onions start to brown. Add the canned tomatoes, roasted tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender (or food processor) to puree the soup. Adjust salt if necessary.
- Stir in the cream / half and half if using.
