Creamy Tomato Bisque Basil (Printable Version)
A smooth, velvety tomato soup enriched with cream and fresh basil, perfect for a comforting appetizer or light meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely diced
05 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
06 - 2 cans (14 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
07 - 1 cup vegetable broth
→ Dairy & Cream
08 - 1 cup heavy cream
09 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
→ Herbs & Seasoning
10 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
12 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, plus additional for garnish
# How To Make It:
01 - In a large pot set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and minced garlic. Sauté gently for approximately 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
02 - Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to deepen in color and flavor. Incorporate the undrained diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
03 - Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the bisque to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
04 - Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. Add the fresh basil leaves to the soup.
05 - Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup directly in the pot until it reaches a smooth and velvety consistency. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender, blending until smooth, then return to the pot.
06 - Return the pureed soup to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the optional grated Parmesan cheese. Heat gently for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the bisque does not come to a boil.
07 - Taste the bisque and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh basil.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's surprisingly quick for something so deeply flavorful.
- The velvety texture and bright tomato taste, balanced with cream, feel incredibly luxurious without being complicated.
02 -
- Undercooking the tomato paste can leave a raw, tinny flavor; always cook it for at least a minute to toast it slightly.
- Blending hot soup in a regular blender requires venting the lid or doing it in small batches to prevent pressure buildup and potential accidents.
03 -
- If you don't have fresh basil, a tablespoon of good quality basil pesto stirred in at the end can offer a surprisingly delicious alternative.
- To make this bisque extra special, roast your carrots and onions slightly before sautéing; it adds a deeper, caramelized sweetness.