Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque
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Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque: A Comforting Delight
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm bowl of creamy tomato basil bisque. The rich, velvety texture paired with the tantalizing aromas of fresh basil and roasted tomatoes can turn a chilly evening into a cozy experience. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a rainy day, and it was a revelation—simple ingredients transformed into a luxurious soup that feels like a warm hug. Save it for a family dinner or serve it as an elegant starter at your next gathering; it’ll steal the show every time.
Why you’ll love this dish
This creamy tomato basil bisque is not just exceptionally delicious; it also offers several unique benefits that make it a standout recipe. First and foremost, it’s quick to prepare, taking only about an hour from start to finish. It’s budget-friendly, allowing you to create a gourmet experience without breaking the bank. The soothing flavors make it a kid-approved dish, perfect for getting picky eaters to enjoy their veggies. This bisque shines as a weeknight dinner option or a comforting bowl on a lazy Sunday brunch.
“This bisque has become a staple in our home! It’s so easy to whip up after a long day, and the kids can’t get enough of it.” – Happy Home Cook
How this recipe comes together
Making this creamy tomato basil bisque is a straightforward process that combines simple steps to yield incredible results. You’ll start by mincing some fresh vegetables to build a flavorful base, then sauté them in a Dutch oven. After that, it’s all about whisking in the broth, tomatoes, and delightful seasonings. Finally, the magic happens when you blend in the creaminess and Parmesan cheese to create a dish that’s both hearty and refined.
What you’ll need
Here are the key ingredients that make this bisque so flavorful:
- 4 stalks celery (chopped into thirds)
- 4 medium carrots (peeled and chopped into thirds)
- 1/2 large onion (peeled and quartered)
- 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 (14 oz.) cans fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 tablespoon dried basil (or 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon each of dried parsley and black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1-2 cups milk, half and half, or heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Directions to follow
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Start by adding the celery, carrots, onion, and garlic to your food processor. Pulse until finely minced—if you don’t have a processor, you can chop them by hand!
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In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Once melted, raise the heat to medium-high and add the minced vegetables. Sauté for about 4 minutes until they’re tender.
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Sprinkle in the flour and continue to cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
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Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the fire roasted tomatoes and all seasonings—including the bay leaf. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for around 15 minutes or until the carrots are nice and tender.
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully blended, then add your choice of milk, half and half, or heavy cream. Gently simmer for another 15-20 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adjust the thickness with more broth or cream if needed.
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After cooking, you can choose to leave the bisque chunky or puree it for a smoother texture. If you opt to blend, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, making sure to allow steam to escape.
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Finally, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Best ways to enjoy it
There are numerous delightful ways to serve this creamy tomato basil bisque. A crusty slice of sourdough bread or garlic bread pairs beautifully, allowing you to soak up every last drop. For a light meal or appetizer, consider adding a side salad featuring fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette. Alternatively, why not serve it alongside a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort dinner?
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your bisque fresh, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When stored correctly in the refrigerator, it will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months—just be sure to use freezer-safe containers! To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight, then warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Helpful cooking tips
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Invest in a good blender: If you want an ultra-smooth texture, a high-powered blender is worth the investment. It makes the bisque creamy without any lumps.
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Herb swaps: Fresh herbs can elevate this bisque to another level. If you have them on hand, use freshly chopped basil and oregano instead of dried.
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Balance the sweetness: If you find the soup too sweet, a squeeze of lemon juice can help balance the flavors beautifully.
Creative twists
Feel free to make this bisque your own by experimenting with different add-ins. Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick. For a vegan version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and use coconut milk instead of cream. You might even consider blending in some roasted red peppers for an extra layer of flavor!
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
It takes about 10-15 minutes to prep the ingredients and around 45 minutes to cook, making it an approachable dish for a weeknight meal.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes! You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option that still delivers rich flavor.
How do I store leftovers safely?
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days or freeze it for longer preservation.
With its comforting flavors and ease of preparation, this creamy tomato basil bisque is sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen. Try it out and savor every warm, delicious bite!
Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque
Ingredients
Method
- Start by adding the celery, carrots, onion, and garlic to your food processor. Pulse until finely minced—if you don’t have a processor, you can chop them by hand!
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Once melted, raise the heat to medium-high and add the minced vegetables. Sauté for about 4 minutes until they’re tender.
- Sprinkle in the flour and continue to cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the fire roasted tomatoes and all seasonings—including the bay leaf. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for around 15 minutes or until the carrots are nice and tender.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully blended, then add your choice of milk, half and half, or heavy cream. Gently simmer for another 15-20 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adjust the thickness with more broth or cream if needed.
- After cooking, you can choose to leave the bisque chunky or puree it for a smoother texture. If you opt to blend, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, making sure to allow steam to escape.
- Finally, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
