Copycat Panera Tomato Soup - Tomato Bisque Soup

INGREDIENTS

1/2 tbsp

olive oil

1/2

medium onion (chopped)

medium carrots (chopped)

celery rib (chopped)

garlic cloves (finely chopped)

1/2 tsp

red pepper flakes

basil (to taste)

salt and pepper (to taste)

bay leaves

3 tbsp

whole wheat flour

3 1/2 cups

low sodium chicken stock

28 oz

fire roasted tomatoes (can, diced, drained (or you can use 8 fresh tomatoes,diced))

1/4 cup

tomato paste

1/2 tbsp

sugar

1/2 cup

half & half

2 tbsp

unsalted butter

hot sauce (to taste (optional))

croutons (optional)

sour cream (optional)

parsley (optional)