Tomato Bisque

Smooth, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavor, this Tomato Bisque is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.

With tender onions, fragrant garlic, and ripe tomatoes, this soup is a sensory delight that will leave you cozy and satisfied.

Ready Time

45 mins

Yields

5 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
2 medium onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of 14.5 oz diced tomatoes)
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they’re translucent and tender, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Add the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) to the pot, stirring to combine with the onion mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices.

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup has thickened slightly. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or let it cool and puree it in a blender.

Return the pot to the stovetop and add the heavy cream or half-and-half.

Stir over low heat until the cream has melted and the soup is heated through. Stir in the dried basil and oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of basil or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and reduce the amount of heavy cream used. If using canned diced tomatoes, drain and rinse them before adding to avoid excess sodium.

Fresh tomatoes will give the best flavor, but canned will work in a pinch.

To make ahead, prepare the soup up to the point of adding cream, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve. Reheat gently and stir in cream just before serving.

For a creamier soup, add more heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half.

Be gentle when pureeing hot soup to avoid splashing. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go, especially if using different broth or tomatoes.