Before diving into the nitty-gritty of what makes Panera Bread’s 10 Vegetable Soup so special, let’s take a moment to think about the perfect accompaniments for this dish. Whether you’re looking to elevate your soup experience or just want some tasty sides, there are plenty of options that can harmonize beautifully with the flavors of this hearty meal.
Consider a fresh, crunchy baguette. It’s the perfect vehicle for soaking up every last spoonful of soup. If you’re craving something a bit more indulgent, a slice of freshly baked sourdough with a pat of butter can turn your meal into a comforting feast.
For a light and zesty side, a simple side salad—perhaps with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette—can balance the richness of the soup. And, let’s not forget about adding a sprinkle of some cheese, like feta or Parmesan, to take the flavors up a notch.
Now, let’s get into the good stuff!
What Is Panera Bread’s 10 Vegetable Soup?
If you’ve ever visited Panera Bread, you’ve likely noticed their 10 Vegetable Soup quietly claiming its space on the menu. It’s not just any soup; it’s a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Made with a variety of seasonal vegetables and aromatic spices, this vegan and hearty option warms you right down to your bones.
The base usually consists of a robust vegetable broth, paired with ingredients like beans, tomatoes, and a rainbow of fresh vegetables. This soup is known for its heartiness, as well as its array of nutritious components. It’s a crowd favorite for a reason—all those vibrant colors and flavors are inviting and comforting.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other 10 Vegetable Soups?
Many vegetable soups out there aim to be hearty and healthy but often fall short in flavor. What sets Panera’s 10 Vegetable Soup apart is its careful selection of spices and the perfect balance between the vegetables. The blend of garlic, herbs, and a dash of citrus takes this dish from basic to brilliant.
While other recipes may rely heavily on a single vegetable or bland broth, Panera’s version showcases a variety of vegetables, ensuring that every spoonful offers a delightful taste. Not only does this add depth, but it also makes every bite an exciting experience. Plus, the addition of ingredients like chia seeds and sprouted grains brings up the nutrition profile quite a bit!
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How Does It Taste?
The moment the warm broth hits your tongue, you’re greeted with a savory blend of vegetables harmonizing together. Each bite bursts with the essence of garlic and the warmth of spices, while the natural sweetness of carrots and bell peppers shines through.
The canned tomatoes provide a rich base, while the fresh spinach introduces a mild earthiness. The oblong pieces of vegetables add a delightful texture. It’s a soothing soup that feels rejuvenating and wholesome, striking the perfect balance between comfort food and nutritious fare.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
Now, for the crucial part—the ingredients! Below are the essentials you’ll want to gather:
Veggies:
- ¾ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- ¾ cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
- ¾ cup poblano pepper, chopped
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup carrot, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
Spices:
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika or Aleppo chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried lemon peel or 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons white pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth and smokiness)
Remaining Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup sprouted brown rice or rinsed barley
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted corn, drained and rinsed
- 4 (15-ounce) cans fire-roasted tomatoes
- ½ cup frozen green peas
- 3 cups fresh spinach, tightly packed
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 lemons, thinly sliced into wheels for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for freshness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how I whip up this delightful soup, step by step.
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by chopping all your vegetables. Get them nicely diced and ready. This includes bell peppers, onion, carrots, and celery. The colors make it a beautiful array on your cutting board!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and let it sauté until fragrant—about a minute will do. Take care not to burn it! That smell is like a magic spell; it’s inviting!
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
Toss in the prepared vegetables (bell peppers, onion, carrot, and celery). Cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want them softened but still vibrant in color. Stir in the spices—paprika, cumin, dried herbs, salt, and pepper—to coat those beauties well.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil. This is where the magic happens. Add the rice or barley and bay leaves, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Step 5: Include the Beans and More
After about 15 minutes of simmering, add the drained cans of garbanzo beans, fire-roasted corn, and tomatoes. Stir it, and let it cook for another 10 minutes.
Step 6: Finish with Greens
In the last 5 minutes, toss in the frozen peas and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, giving a pop of green. Don’t forget the lime juice! Taste and adjust the seasoning if you like.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
When finally done, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro. Ah, doesn’t it look delicious?
Tips & Tricks On Making Panera Bread’s 10 Vegetable Soup
Here are some handy tips to ensure your soup turns out amazing every time:
- Chop Uniformly: Aim for similar sizes in your vegetables. This ensures even cooking.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to swap out any veggies you don’t have—zucchini or kale are great alternatives.
- Let It Sit: If you can, let the soup rest for a bit before serving. It lets the flavors mingle and deepen.
- Make It Ahead: This soup is even better the next day. Batch cooking is your best friend!
- Add Protein: Looking for a heartier meal? Consider adding lentils or tofu as an extra protein source.
Nutrition Information
Understanding the nutritional breakdown can help make informed choices:
- Calories: Approximately 140 per serving
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Fat: 4g
- Vitamin A: Provides about 100% of daily needs
- Vitamin C: Around 70% of daily needs
This soup is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a great option for anyone looking for a nutritious meal.
How Do I Store This Dish?
Once you’ve made this delightful soup, you may wonder how to store it. Here’s how:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some room in the container for expansion.
- Thaw Properly: To reheat frozen soup, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat on the stove.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Panera Bread’s 10 Vegetable Soup?
Sometimes you might not have everything in your pantry. Here are some easy substitutes you can use:
- Chickpeas: Use cannellini beans or black beans for a different protein source. They will add their unique taste but will still keep the soup hearty.
- Vegetable Broth: You can easily use chicken broth if you’re not strictly vegetarian. It adds a meaty flavor without being overpowering.
- Brown Rice: Quinoa or lentils also work here, giving additional nutrition and flavor variations. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary.
- Fresh Spinach: Kale is another superb option that holds up well in soups. It offers extra nutritional benefits and a different texture.
- Canned Tomatoes: If you have fresh tomatoes, they can be used as well—just make sure to finely chop them and consider adding a bit of tomato paste for thickness.
Equipment
- large pot
Ingredients
Veggies
- ¾ cup red bell pepper chopped
- ¾ cup yellow bell pepper chopped
- ¾ cup poblano pepper chopped
- 1 cup yellow onion finely diced
- 1 cup carrot sliced into rounds
- 1 cup celery sliced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Spices
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika or Aleppo chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried lemon peel or 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons white pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds depth and smokiness
Remaining Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup sprouted brown rice or rinsed barley
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can fire-roasted corn, drained and rinsed
- 4 15-ounce cans fire-roasted tomatoes
- ½ cup frozen green peas
- 3 cups fresh spinach tightly packed
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 lemons thinly sliced into wheels for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro chopped (optional, for freshness)
Instructions
- Ready to get cooking? Here’s how I whip up this delightful soup, step by step.
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Start by chopping all your vegetables. Get them nicely diced and ready. This includes bell peppers, onion, carrots, and celery. The colors make it a beautiful array on your cutting board!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and let it sauté until fragrant—about a minute will do. Take care not to burn it! That smell is like a magic spell; it’s inviting!
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
- Toss in the prepared vegetables (bell peppers, onion, carrot, and celery). Cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want them softened but still vibrant in color. Stir in the spices—paprika, cumin, dried herbs, salt, and pepper—to coat those beauties well.
Step 4: Add Liquids
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil. This is where the magic happens. Add the rice or barley and bay leaves, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Step 5: Include the Beans and More
- After about 15 minutes of simmering, add the drained cans of garbanzo beans, fire-roasted corn, and tomatoes. Stir it, and let it cook for another 10 minutes.
Step 6: Finish with Greens
- In the last 5 minutes, toss in the frozen peas and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, giving a pop of green. Don’t forget the lime juice! Taste and adjust the seasoning if you like.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- When finally done, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro. Ah, doesn’t it look delicious?
Notes
- Chop Uniformly: Aim for similar sizes in your vegetables. This ensures even cooking.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to swap out any veggies you don’t have—zucchini or kale are great alternatives.
- Let It Sit: If you can, let the soup rest for a bit before serving. It lets the flavors mingle and deepen.
- Make It Ahead: This soup is even better the next day. Batch cooking is your best friend!
- Add Protein: Looking for a heartier meal? Consider adding lentils or tofu as an extra protein source.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine the sautéed veggies and spices with your liquids in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
2. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the original recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free grains such as quinoa or rice.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, asparagus, or even mushrooms.
4. What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers make for a wonderful lunch. Consider serving them over a grain bowl or blending into a smooth soup for a different texture experience.
5. How can I make this soup spicier?
If you like a kick, add chili flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing your vegetables. Spice up the broth as it cooks!
Conclusion
Panera Bread’s 10 Vegetable Soup isn’t just hearty and satisfying. It’s a celebration of flavors, colors, and nutrients. This wonderful dish is a reminder that simple ingredients can create something truly exceptional.
By following this recipe and using the tips shared, you can experience the joy of making this beloved soup right at home.
So, rolling up your sleeves to whip it up is a no-brainer, especially with all the tasty sides you can pair it with. Adventure awaits in your kitchen! Whether serving it on a chilly evening or bringing it to a summer gathering, this soup is bound to impress your family and friends alike.
So, grab those ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy the warm embrace of this delightful creation. Bon appétit!