Actual Panera Bread Recipe For Hearty Cheese Soup In A Sourdough

VEGETARIAN FIESTA CON QUESO SOUP

Steps:

• Over medium heat melt butter or margarine in a 6 quart stock pot, add onions carrot and celery and sauté until onions are transparent and carrots have softened, add garlic toward the end and allow to soften (about 2 minutes), remove from heat.
• In a blender combine sautéed onions, carrots, celery and garlic with roasted Anaheim chili, 4 cubes of bouillon and 4 cups of hot water-- puree.
• Return vegetable puree to stock pot and place over medium heat, add both packages of cream cheese stirring until completely blended with vegetable puree.
• In separate bowl blend 4 tablespoons of flour with 1/2 cup of the warm cream cheese and vegetable puree mixture to get out lumps then stir in 1/2 cup boiling water, combine with contents of stock pot.
• While stirring the pot bring contents to a boil.
• Allow contents to boil while stirring for about 2 minutes then simmer.
• Add the 1/2 lb of American cheese a couple of slices at a time until melted.
• Once cheese is melted incorporate the can of tomatoes (with juice), roasted red pepper, corn, hot sauce, cayenne pepper and cumin.
• Allow to simmer for at least 1 hour stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
• Serve and enjoy!

ACTUAL PANERA BREAD RECIPE FOR HEARTY CHEESE SOUP IN A SOURDOUGH

Steps:

• In a large, heavy stockpot, melt butter or margarine.
• Add chopped vegetables.
• Add ham or bacon.
• Cook over medium heat until vegetables are slightly tender (about 10 minutes).
• Stir in flour.
• Stir in cornstarch.
• Cook, stirring constantly (about 3 minutes).
• Add broth and continue stirring until slightly thickened.
• Add milk.
• Add spices.
• Add cheese gradually, stirring until cheese is melted.
• To avoid curdling, do not allow soup to boil after cheese is added.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Serve piping hot in the hollowed out Sourdough bread bowls.