Tomato bisque is a smooth, creamy soup with a rich tomato flavor and delicate hints of herbs. Unlike a basic tomato soup, bisque adds a luxurious creaminess that elevates each spoonful. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and finished with cream, this bisque is ideal for a light lunch or as an appetizer. Serve it with a classic grilled cheese or fresh crusty bread for an unbeatable, comforting meal.
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Blender (immersion or regular)
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or one 28 oz can crushed tomatoes)
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent browning. - Add Tomatoes and Broth
Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), vegetable or chicken broth, tomato paste, dried basil, and dried thyme. Stir to combine. - Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender. - Blend Until Smooth
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. - Add the Cream
Return the soup to low heat, then stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and warm through without bringing it to a boil. - Serve
Ladle the bisque into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Presentation Ideas:
- Drizzle a small amount of cream on top of each bowl and swirl it into a pattern for a beautiful finish.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan for added flavor.
- Serve with a slice of toasted baguette or homemade croutons on top.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- To thicken the bisque, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste, or blend in a small boiled potato for added creaminess.
- Leftover bisque can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats well.
This creamy tomato bisque is a cozy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you crave a comforting bowl of soup. With fresh tomatoes and a smooth, velvety texture, it’s both easy to make and incredibly flavorful. Serve it alongside grilled cheese for a timeless combination that’s sure to become a favorite!
Tomato Bisque Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Blender (immersion or regular)
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 carrot peeled and diced
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes chopped (or one 28 oz can crushed tomatoes)
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent browning.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth
- Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), vegetable or chicken broth, tomato paste, dried basil, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.
- Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Blend Until Smooth
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
- Add the Cream
- Return the soup to low heat, then stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and warm through without bringing it to a boil.
- Serve
- Ladle the bisque into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
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