Tomato Bisque
Description
This classic Tomato Bisque offers a luxurious blend of savory tomatoes, aromatic spices, and creamy dairy for a comforting bowl of warmth. The slow simmering process allows the flavors of basil, cloves, and bay leaf to meld beautifully with the sweetness of brown sugar. Finished with a swirl of cream and milk, the texture is incredibly smooth and silky. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. This dish is ideal for cozy dinners, meal prep lunches, or as an appetizer at gatherings. Easy to prepare with pantry staples, it brings a touch of elegance to any table without requiring complex techniques.Ingredients
Directions
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Peel and seed the tomatoes if using fresh, then chop them roughly.
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In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add the sliced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the chopped tomatoes, bay leaf, brown sugar, cloves, salt, pepper, and basil.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
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Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are thoroughly cooked and soft, about 25 minutes.
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Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaf and cloves.
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Transfer the tomato mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
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Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot to remove any remaining skins or seeds.
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Return the strained soup to low heat and stir in the cream and milk.
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Heat through gently, stirring constantly, but do not boil.
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Ladle the hot bisque into bowls.
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Top each serving with buttered croutons and a sprinkle of chopped chives.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 40.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.5g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 11.3mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 8.9g3%
- Dietary Fiber 2.7g11%
- Sugars 5.9g
- Protein 2.0g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if the soup has thickened too much.
Tomato Selection: For the best flavor, use ripe Roma or San Marzano tomatoes. If using canned tomatoes, choose high-quality crushed or whole peeled tomatoes.
Blending Safety: When blending hot liquids, ensure the blender vent is open and cover it with a towel to prevent steam burns. Blend in small batches if necessary.
Variations: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or oat milk instead of dairy cream and milk.
Garnish Idea: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dollop of sour cream can add extra richness.
