Easy Creamy Tomato Bisque

 

Tomato bisque is a rich, creamy soup made from ripe tomatoes, cream, and savory seasonings. Perfect for a cozy meal, this simple classic recipe offers a velvety texture and bold flavor. Learn what tomato bisque is, how it is different from tomato soup and how to make homemade tomato bisque.

 

What is Tomato Bisque?

Tomato bisque is a smooth, creamy soup made from ripe tomatoes, broth, and cream. It's a refined version of traditional tomato soup, often thickened to achieve a velvety texture. Unlike a traditional tomato soup, which might be more liquid and less rich, a bisque typically includes cream and is pureed to a velvety consistency. The addition of cream gives the bisque a luxurious texture and a slightly sweeter, richer flavor.

Tomato bisque is often seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, such as basil, thyme, and garlic, to enhance its savory profile.

This comforting dish is perfect as an appetizer or a main course, especially when paired with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. Whether enjoyed on a cold winter day or as a light summer meal, tomato bisque remains a beloved classic in many kitchens around the world.

 

How is Tomato Bisque different from Tomato Soup?

Tomato Bisque and Tomato Soup are both very popular dishes, but they have very different. the main difference lies in the ingredient used for each and the way they are prepared.

  • Tomato Bisque

    is creamier and richer. It typically includes heavy cream, which gives it a smoother, velvety texture. It's also pureed to a finer consistency, resulting in a more luxurious feel. A typical tomato bisque contains garlic, onions, carrots and celery that are sauteed and then pureed. The addition of these ingredients really adds to the depth of flavor of the bisque. The preparation of bisque often involves a longer, slower cooking process to meld the flavors more deeply.

      Bisque is often considered a more upscale or elegant dish, frequently served as a starter in fine dining settings. Although, when we                serve tomato bisque at our house, we like to pair it with a 3-cheese grilled cheese sandwich and sometimes a glass of wine depending          on our mood.

 

  • Tomato Soup

    is usually lighter and more rustic. It can have a thinner consistency and might not include cream, relying primarily on tomatoes, broth, and simple seasonings. Tomato soup can be chunkier, depending on how it's prepared. Tomato soup can be quicker to prepare, especially if using canned tomatoes or pre-made broth.

     Tomato soup is a comfort food classic, often paired with sandwiches like grilled cheese for a hearty meal. When I think of my childhood          we had tomato soup quite often, especially during lent or when it was cold outside.

 

 

Understanding these differences can help you choose the right dish for your culinary needs or even inspire you to try making both to appreciate their unique qualities.

 

 

Welcome to our homemade tomato bisque guide! This creamy, flavorful soup is a comforting classic made from ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a hint of cream. Whether you're looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a special starter, our easy recipe will help you create the perfect bowl of tomato bisque from scratch.

 

 

Best Tomato Bisque Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces whole tomatoes (you can use crushed tomatoes) or fresh tomatoes if you have them.
  • 3 ribs of celery finely diced
  • 4 medium carrots finely diced
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

 

 

Instructions:

  1. Heat the Olive Oil:
    In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onion is translucent and has a sweeter flavor to it. This should take about 5 minutes.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
    Stir in the tomatoes, chicken stock and spices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  3. Blend the Soup:
    Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Be cautious with hot liquids.
  4. Add Cream and Garlic:
    Return the blended soup to the pot if using a regular blender. Stir in the heavy cream, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Serve:
    Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.

 

Enjoy your comforting and creamy tomato bisque!

 

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