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Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe

4.6 from 114 reviews

This Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup is a luscious, comforting dish featuring roasted heirloom tomatoes, red bell pepper, garlic, and onion blended into a smooth puree. Enhanced with butter, olive oil, tomato paste, and a touch of cream, it boasts rich flavors balanced by fresh basil and gentle seasoning. Perfect as a warming appetizer or paired with grilled cheese sandwiches for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Roasted Vegetables

  • 1 lb tomatoes on the vine, washed and cut in half
  • 2 lb heirloom tomatoes (about 3 large or 4 medium), 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

Soup Base

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups chicken broth (store-bought, homemade, or chicken bone broth)
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or to taste
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (plus extra for garnish if desired)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Roast Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 450°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly spread the tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic cloves. Roast the vegetables for 30 to 40 minutes until they are caramelized and tender.
  2. Cool and Blend: Allow the roasted vegetables to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Then transfer them to a blender and blend until smooth, creating a rich vegetable puree.
  3. Create Soup Base: In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux, which will thicken the soup.
  4. Add Tomato Paste and Broth: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of the chicken broth until fully combined, then add the remaining 3 cups of broth, continuing to whisk and create a smooth mixture.
  5. Combine and Season: Pour the blended vegetable puree into the pot and stir well. Season the soup with sea salt, black pepper, and sugar to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally.
  6. Finish with Cream and Basil: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and fresh or dried basil. Simmer the soup for a few minutes to fully develop the flavors.
  7. Serve: Ladle the creamy tomato bisque into bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, extra heavy cream, and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Serve alongside Bacon Grilled Cheese or Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches for a delicious meal.

Notes

  • Roasting the vegetables intensifies their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
  • Use fresh basil if possible; dried basil works well as a substitute.
  • Adjust the amount of cream to your desired level of richness.
  • The sugar helps to balance acidity in the tomatoes.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Keywords: Creamy tomato bisque, roasted tomato soup, heirloom tomatoes, tomato bisque recipe, creamy soup, comfort food