Description
This Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup combines roasted heirloom tomatoes, red bell peppers, and aromatic garlic and onion for a deeply flavorful base. Enhanced with a touch of tomato paste, cream, and fresh basil, this smooth and comforting bisque is perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb tomatoes (on the vine, washed and cut in half)
- 2 lb heirloom tomatoes (about 3 large or 4 medium size, washed and cut in half)
- 1 red bell pepper (washed and cut into 4 pieces)
- 5 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 1 small onion (peeled and cut into 4 pieces)
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
Seasonings & Garnishes
- Sea salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (or more if desired)
- 1 tablespoon basil (fresh – finely chopped or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
Instructions
- Roast the vegetables: Preheat your oven to 450°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out the tomatoes, red bell pepper pieces, onion, and garlic cloves evenly. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes until nicely caramelized and fragrant.
- Blend the roasted veggies: Allow the roasted vegetables to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer them to a blender and puree until smooth, creating a luscious vegetable mixture.
- Prepare the roux base: In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to form a light roux base. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to develop flavor.
- Combine broth and puree: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of the chicken broth to the roux, combining well and preventing lumps. Then whisk in the remaining 3 cups of broth. Add the smooth vegetable puree from the blender, stirring well. Season with sea salt, sugar, and black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and fresh or dried basil. Simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors and slightly thicken.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the creamy tomato bisque into bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a swirl of heavy cream, and a sprinkle of fresh basil if available. Serve warm alongside bacon or chicken grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Roasting the vegetables brings out deeper flavors and natural sweetness, enhancing the bisque’s taste.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve your preferred creaminess level.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Use fresh basil when possible for a more vibrant herbal note.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
