This easy tomato bisque recipe is the perfect comfort food. It's creamy, flavorful, and simple to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch.
Photos of Easy Tomato Bisque Recipe
If you're heading to the supermarket, make sure to pick up heavy cream, crushed tomatoes, and kosher salt. These ingredients might not be staples in every household, but they are essential for achieving the rich and smooth texture of this bisque.
Ingredients for Easy Tomato Bisque Recipe
Olive oil: A healthy fat used to sauté the vegetables and add a rich flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the bisque.
Celery: Provides a subtle aromatic base for the soup.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bisque.
Coarse ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.
Cayenne: Gives the bisque a slight kick of heat.
Dried basil: Adds a layer of herbaceous flavor.
Garlic: Infuses the bisque with a robust aroma.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding richness and depth.
Crushed tomatoes: The main ingredient, providing the essential tomato flavor and texture.
White sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Heavy cream: Creates a creamy, luscious texture.
One reader, Adelina Bartholomew says:
This easy tomato bisque recipe is fantastic! The flavors are rich and comforting, and it’s so simple to make. The addition of heavy cream makes it wonderfully creamy. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Key Techniques for Making Easy Tomato Bisque
How to cook onions and celery until translucent: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat, add chopped onions and celery, and cook while stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes. How to use an immersion blender: After simmering the soup, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture directly in the pot until it is perfectly smooth. Ensure the blender is fully submerged to avoid splattering. How to add heavy cream: Pour the heavy cream into the blended soup and stir well to combine.
When it’s chilly outside, all I want to do is curl up on the sofa with my favorite comfort food. Well, I actually have a very long list of comfort foods. I love beef stew and beef soup as much as I love clam chowder. On winter nights, I also enjoy the company of roasted tomato basil soup and any creamy tomato soup recipe. Although I must say, I have a soft spot for tomato bisque. It’s much, much creamier than the tomato soup recipes I’ve tried before!
At first, I was confused between tomato bisque and soup. Apparently, these two tasty dishes are different. The classic tomato soup recipe uses chicken stock and tends to have a thin consistency, bordering on watery even. Tomato bisque, on the other hand, is just super creamy! And it’s all thanks to its secret ingredient: heavy cream. Nonetheless, whenever I need a pal for my gooey grilled cheese sandwich, I just whip up either of the two.
Now, going back to my love affair with tomato bisque. I have tried so many bisque recipes my whole life, but nothing prepared me for the deliciousness of this oh-so-creamy tomato bisque recipe. Instead of the usual seafood in a bisque recipe, this one relies on canned crushed tomatoes. But if I’ve got time to spare, I use fresh garden tomatoes. I’m telling you, tomato bisque with fresh tomatoes just hits differently! May I suggest San Marzano tomatoes? They’re incredibly sweet and pulpy, trust me. But if you want sweet-tasting tomatoes, I’d recommend diced fire-roasted tomatoes.
What made me love this tomato bisque recipe was its creaminess. I went for heavy cream to give my tomato bisque a velvety texture. Some variations, however, take a different approach and add a bit of tomato paste or flour and milk. I suggest you go for the ingredients that will satisfy your palate. If you want a healthier option, say, a vegan tomato bisque, just use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. The result is just as creamy, I promise!
Let’s not forget about the seasoning. Enter my secret weapons for bringing bright flavors onto my soup recipes: cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, and dried basil. You can also use fresh basil leaves, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes. As a finishing touch, I also sprinkled some chopped parsley on top. Grated parmesan cheese as a topping sounds good as well. But, I think the fun part of whipping up this homemade tomato bisque is making the cream swirls! With a little help from a toothpick, I got to make cute patterns on top of my soup!
Whether I get a common cold or I simply need the company of my comfort food, I make an effort to make some tomato bisque for myself. It’s creamy, delicious, and a breeze to throw together just like any easy tomato soup recipe. Knowing how to make tomato bisque really saves me a trip to the restaurants serving delicious tomato soup near me. Try your hand at this recipe ASAP, and you’ll understand what I’m talking about.
How To Make Easy Tomato Bisque
Cozy up with this comforting bowl of tomato bisque on a cold night. Made with crushed tomatoes and heavy cream, it’s deliciously creamy and provides a good balance of sweet and sour.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1yellow onion,diced
- 2stalkscelery,diced
- ½tspkosher salt
- ⅛tspcoarse ground black pepper
- 1pinchcayenne
- 1tspdried basil
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- 4cupschicken broth
- 28ozcrushed tomatoes
- 1tspwhite sugar
- 1cupheavy cream
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Then, add the chopped onions, celery, salt, pepper, cayenne, and basil. Saute for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring constantly.
- When the onions are tender and golden brown, toss in the garlic. Cook for an additional 45 seconds.
- Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, and sugar. Cover and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Then, remove the pot with tomato mixture from heat.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. Then, carefully return the pot to heat.
- Slowly add in the heavy cream. Stir occasionally or until your tomato bisque achieves a thick consistency.
- Serve the tomato bisque with swirls of heavy cream and fresh parsley on top.
Recipe Notes
- You can also use a regular blender or a food processor to blend the tomato mixture.
- Add a creamy roux mixture if your bisque still lacks a thick, creamy texture. You just cook the flour in butter until it gets a paste-like viscosity. Then, pour the mixture into your homemade bisque.
- If you have any tomato bisque leftovers, keep them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for three to five days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 146.21kcal
- Fat: 10.76g
- Saturated Fat: 5.17g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.26g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.76g
- Carbohydrates: 10.02g
- Fiber: 1.59g
- Sugar: 5.62g
- Protein: 3.73g
- Cholesterol: 29.57mg
- Sodium: 329.34mg
- Calcium: 45.70mg
- Potassium: 330.32mg
- Iron: 1.15mg
- Vitamin A: 91.28µg
- Vitamin C: 7.58mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Easy Tomato Bisque
When sautéing the onion and celery, make sure to cook them until they are soft and translucent but not browned. This will ensure that the soup has a smooth, sweet base without any bitter notes.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Chop vegetables in advance: Prepare the onion and celery ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of peeling and chopping fresh cloves.
Opt for canned broth: Use canned chicken broth to skip the step of making it from scratch.
Immersion blender efficiency: An immersion blender is quicker and easier to clean than a traditional blender.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out the salt, pepper, cayenne, and basil before you start cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Tomato Bisque Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a similar texture and slightly milder flavor.
celery - Substitute with carrots: Carrots provide a similar crunch and a bit of sweetness.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor profile.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with fine ground black pepper: Fine ground black pepper will provide the same peppery flavor.
cayenne - Substitute with paprika: Paprika offers a milder heat and a similar color.
dried basil - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano provides a similar herbaceous flavor.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth offers a similar depth of flavor and is suitable for vegetarians.
crushed tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce has a similar consistency and flavor.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a slight floral note.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk provides a creamy texture and a slight coconut flavor.
How to Beautifully Present This Tomato Bisque
Use a shallow, wide bowl: This allows the tomato bisque to spread out, creating a visually appealing canvas for garnishes.
Drizzle with heavy cream: After ladling the bisque into the bowl, use a spoon to drizzle a delicate swirl of heavy cream on top. This adds a touch of elegance and creaminess.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley or basil over the bisque. The vibrant green color contrasts beautifully with the rich red soup.
Add a dollop of crème fraîche: Place a small dollop of crème fraîche in the center of the bowl. This adds a luxurious texture and a slight tanginess to the dish.
Serve with a side of crusty bread: Pair the tomato bisque with a slice of toasted, crusty bread. This not only complements the soup but also adds a satisfying crunch.
Use microgreens for a modern touch: Top the bisque with a small handful of microgreens. They add a fresh, peppery flavor and a contemporary look.
Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt: Just before serving, add a light sprinkle of sea salt on top of the bisque. This enhances the flavors and adds a subtle crunch.
Serve with a small spoon: Use a small, elegant spoon to serve the bisque. This encourages slow, savoring bites and adds to the fine dining experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Tomato Bisque
Large pot: Used for cooking the onions, celery, and other ingredients together. It needs to be large enough to hold all the ingredients and allow for simmering.
Olive oil: This is not a tool, but an ingredient. Used for sautéing the vegetables.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the vegetables and other ingredients without scratching the pot.
Knife: Essential for chopping the onion, celery, and garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the vegetables.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, pepper, cayenne, basil, and sugar accurately.
Measuring cup: Necessary for measuring the chicken broth and heavy cream.
Immersion blender: Used to blend the soup until it is perfectly smooth. An alternative would be a regular blender, but an immersion blender is more convenient for this recipe.
Ladle: Useful for serving the bisque into bowls.
Serving bowls: For serving the finished tomato bisque.
Parsley: This is not a tool, but a garnish. Used to add a fresh touch to the final dish.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Tomato Bisque
To store leftover tomato bisque, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
When reheating refrigerated bisque, pour it into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. If the soup appears too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream.
For longer storage, you can freeze the tomato bisque for up to 3 months. To freeze, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Label the containers with the date and contents.
To thaw frozen tomato bisque, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can place the frozen container in a bowl of cold water to speed up the thawing process.
Once thawed, pour the bisque into a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup separates or appears grainy after thawing, you can use an immersion blender to puree it again and restore its smooth consistency.
If you plan to freeze the bisque, consider leaving out the heavy cream and adding it only when reheating the thawed soup. This will help maintain the texture and prevent the cream from separating during the freezing and thawing process.
How To Reheat Leftover Tomato Bisque
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover tomato bisque to a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Heat until the soup reaches the desired temperature, then serve immediately. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure even reheating.
Microwave method: pour the leftover tomato bisque into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: if you have a larger quantity of leftover tomato bisque, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Cover and let the soup reheat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal for keeping the soup warm for an extended period.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the leftover tomato bisque into an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup before serving to ensure even heat distribution.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the tomato bisque and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may find that the flavors have intensified or mellowed during storage, so a little extra salt, pepper, or cream can help restore the balance. Always reheat the soup until it is steaming hot throughout to ensure food safety.
Interesting Fact About Tomato Bisque
A fun fact about this tomato bisque recipe is that the addition of heavy cream at the end not only adds richness but also helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This creates a smoother and more velvety texture, making the soup more enjoyable to eat.
Is Making Tomato Bisque at Home Cost-Effective?
This tomato bisque recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using basic pantry staples like olive oil, onion, celery, and garlic keeps costs low. The main expense is the heavy cream, but even that is manageable. The chicken broth and crushed tomatoes are affordable and often available in bulk. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $10-$12 USD.
Is Tomato Bisque Healthy or Unhealthy?
The easy tomato bisque recipe, while comforting and delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:
- Heavy cream: High in saturated fat and calories, which can contribute to heart disease and weight gain if consumed in excess.
- Chicken broth: Often high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues.
- White sugar: Adds empty calories and can contribute to blood sugar spikes and crashes.
However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as olive oil, onion, celery, garlic, and tomatoes, which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a plant-based cream like coconut cream.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth to reduce the overall sodium content.
- Omit the white sugar entirely or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in a smaller quantity.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe, such as adding carrots or red bell peppers, to boost the nutrient content and fiber.
- Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter flavor and added nutrients.
- Serve the bisque with a side salad or whole-grain bread to make it a more balanced meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Tomato Bisque Recipe
This easy tomato bisque recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and rich flavors. The combination of sautéed onions, celery, and garlic creates a robust base, while the addition of cayenne and basil adds a subtle depth. The use of heavy cream ensures a velvety texture, making each spoonful indulgent. The recipe's straightforward steps and accessible ingredients make it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Garnishing with extra cream and parsley not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh contrast to the creamy bisque. Overall, a comforting and satisfying dish.
Enhance Your Easy Tomato Bisque Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Soup Recipes to Try
Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair With Tomato Bisque
Why trust this Easy Tomato Bisque Recipe:
This tomato bisque recipe is a must-try because it combines simple, wholesome ingredients like olive oil, yellow onion, and crushed tomatoes to create a rich and comforting dish. The addition of heavy cream adds a luxurious texture, while the blend of spices ensures a depth of flavor that will impress any palate. With easy-to-follow instructions and a perfect balance of savory and creamy, this recipe is both accessible and delicious, making it a trusted choice for home cooks.
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