Tomato Bisque Soup

Imagine a warm bowl of tomato bisque soup, its rich aroma filling your kitchen and evoking a sense of comfort.

This French classic is a breeze to whip up, offering a cozy indulgence perfect for any occasion.

As the fresh tomatoes blend with basil and cream, they create a symphony of flavors that transforms into something truly special.

Let’s bring this delightful dish to life together!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 blender or immersion blender
• 1 whisk
• 1 ladle
• 1 chopping board
• 1 knife

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Tomato Bisque Soup, follow this timeline:

1. Preparation and Reading (10 minutes)
   • Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather your ingredients and equipment. This guarantees you have everything you need and allows you to clarify any uncertainties before you begin.
2. Prep Work (15 minutes)
   • 0:00 – 5:00: Chop the onion and garlic.
   • 5:00 – 10:00: Chop the fresh tomatoes.
   • 10:00 – 15:00: Measure out the remaining ingredients (olive oil, tomato paste, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, and basil) and set them aside for easy access during cooking.
3. Cooking (30 minutes)
   • 15:00 – 17:00: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • 17:00 – 20:00: Sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
   • 20:00 – 21:00: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
   • 21:00 – 23:00: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
   • 23:00 – 24:00: Add chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot.
   • 24:00 – 25:00: Stir in sugar, salt, and black pepper.
   • 25:00 – 45:00: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Resting and Blending (10 minutes)
   • 45:00 – 50:00: Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
   • 50:00 – 55:00: Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Final Cooking (5 minutes)
   • 55:00 – 58:00: Return the pot to low heat and stir in heavy cream.
   • 58:00 – 60:00: Stir in fresh basil and heat the soup gently without bringing it to a boil.

Following this timeline allows you to efficiently manage your time and guarantee that you complete each step in a timely manner. Enjoy your Tomato Bisque Soup!

Recipe Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add the chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot and bring to a simmer.

Stir in the sugar, salt, and black pepper.

Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.

Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.

Return the pot to low heat and stir in the heavy cream.

Heat the soup gently, without bringing it to a boil.

Stir in the fresh basil before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or a baguette for dipping and soaking up the rich soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pair with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and filling meal.
• Fresh Salad: Add a revitalizing side salad, like a mixed greens or Caesar salad, to balance the creaminess of the bisque.
• Croutons: Top the soup with homemade or store-bought croutons for added texture and crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Tomato Bisque Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months, excluding the cream.

Freezing

To freeze tomato bisque soup, let it cool completely.

Then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Leave space for expansion.

Label and date, then freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat Tomato Bisque Soup, use low heat on the stovetop.

Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.

Alternatively, microwave on medium power.

Stir every 30 seconds, until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Tomato bisque soup is a classic and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

With its rich and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Feel free to experiment with additional spices or roasted tomatoes for a deeper flavor.

Adjust the cream to your liking for the desired thickness.

Enjoy this delightful appetizer as part of your next meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh Ones?

You can substitute canned tomatoes for fresh ones. Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. Drain excess liquid to prevent a watery consistency. Adjust cooking time slightly as canned tomatoes are softer and cook faster than fresh.

Is There a Dairy-Free Alternative to Heavy Cream?

You can replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative. Both options maintain creaminess without dairy. Blend soaked cashews with water for cashew cream, or use canned coconut milk directly.

How Can I Make the Soup Vegan?

To make the soup vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Replace vegetable broth with vegan broth. Confirm all ingredients, like sugar, are vegan-certified. Adjust seasoning to taste after substitutions for ideal flavor.

What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With Bisque?

You can serve crusty artisan bread, a fresh green salad with vinaigrette, or a simple grilled cheese sandwich as side dishes. These options complement the bisque’s richness, offering texture and balancing flavors for a delightful meal.

Can I Add Other Herbs Besides Basil for Flavor?

You can enhance flavor by adding herbs like thyme, oregano, or tarragon. Each herb offers distinct notes, creating a layered taste. Add sparingly to maintain balance. Experiment with combinations to tailor the dish to your preference.