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This tomato bisque is rich, creamy, and blended to silky perfection with roasted garlic and cream. It makes a cozy comfort soup that is easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for company. Paired with grilled cheese or crusty bread, it becomes the ultimate dunkable dinner.
I first made this during chilly fall evenings and it quickly became a favorite. Now it’s the soup my family requests the moment the leaves start turning.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: for sautéing vegetables and building flavor choose extra virgin for best taste
- Medium onion: diced to add natural sweetness and depth
- Medium carrot: sliced for subtle earthiness and color
- Celery stalk: sliced to introduce aromatic crunch
- Roasted garlic: adds mellow, caramelized garlic notes that transform this soup
- Allpurpose flour: helps thicken the bisque use fresh for best results
- Low sodium chicken broth: provides a savory base without overwhelming saltiness
- Canned diced tomatoes: bring acidity and richness pick a brand with no added seasoning for control
- Bay leaves: infuse a subtle herbal aroma during simmering
- Heavy cream: lends the bisque its silky smooth finish opt for fresh cream rather than substitutes for richness
- Salt and freshly ground pepper: to season at the end allowing you to control the final flavor balance
- Chopped parsley or fresh basil: to garnish adding a bright, fresh touch
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium high heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrot, and sliced celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes softened and translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your bisque. Add the roasted garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Make the Roux and Add Liquids:
- Stir in the flour and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and thickens the soup later. Pour in the chicken broth, canned tomatoes with their juices, and add the bay leaves. Stir everything together before bringing the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Blend the Soup Smooth:
- Remove and discard the bay leaves. Use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the soup until it is completely smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Cooling it slightly first helps avoid splatters and burns.
- Finish with Cream and Seasoning:
- Stir in three quarters of the heavy cream evenly to create that luxurious silky texture. Taste your soup and season with salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. Serve by drizzling the remaining cream on top and garnishing with chopped parsley or fresh basil along with a crack of pepper.
My favorite ingredient here is the roasted garlic. I remember making this soup the first time with a head of garlic I roasted in the oven until perfectly soft and sweet. It turned a simple tomato bisque into something deeply aromatic and comforting, perfect for cold nights spent curled up with a book or loved ones.
Storage Tips
Store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating gently warm on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the texture. Freeze in portion sized containers for up to six months and thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.
Ingredient Substitutions
Heavy cream can be substituted with halfandhalf or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy free option. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth makes this soup suitable for vegetarians without sacrificing flavor. If you do not have roasted garlic, regular garlic roasted briefly in a pan works but lacks the same sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This bisque pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches or warm crusty bread for dunking. Add a drizzle of olive oil and cracked black pepper on top for added richness. It also makes an elegant starter for dinner parties or cozy weekend lunches paired with a simple green salad.
This bisque is comforting and elegant, perfect for chilly nights. Pair it with grilled cheese or crusty bread for a cozy meal.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What makes the tomato bisque creamy?
The creaminess comes from stirring in heavy cream after blending the vegetables, which adds a velvety texture and rich flavor.
- → Can I substitute chicken broth with a vegetarian option?
Yes, using a vegetable broth works well and maintains depth while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- → Why use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic?
Roasted garlic adds a sweeter, mellower flavor that enhances the bisque's richness without overpowering it.
- → How do I achieve a smooth texture in the bisque?
Blend the soup thoroughly using an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender until completely silky smooth.
- → What is the best way to serve this bisque?
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of cream, paired perfectly with grilled cheese or crusty bread for dipping.