During the long drive home from visiting my sister and her husband in Pennsylvania, we stopped at Panera Bread Company for a quick bite to eat. I ordered their classic grilled cheese with a bowl of creamy tomato soup. It hit the spot. I declared, to my husband, that I must create a version of their tomato soup, only lighter and with less sodium. On Sunday I set out on my culinary mission. The result is this beautiful bowl of pure comfort. Creamy and satisfying with a bright fresh tomato flavor, accented by herbs and good olive oil.
Yes, you can have your delicious bowl of creamy-tomato-soup-with less-saturated-fat-and-sodium and eat it too. There's a secret ingredient that makes it smooth and thick without adding extra fat. Trust me, it works like a charm in this soup and practically all soups, stews and gravies. I was so eager to share this recipe with you. I think you're going to love it!
If you've traveled a far distance by planes, trains and automobiles and you're tired of eating out and in need of some home cooking, then make this soup and pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich. Better yet, throw a few grilled cheese croutons on top and be happily satisfied (recipe below). It'll calm your jet-lagged nerves.
