If you are craving a rich, velvety soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe is the perfect choice. Bursting with fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and that dreamy creaminess, it delivers a wonderful balance of sweetness and tang with every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a comforting starter, this soup’s vibrant color and smooth texture make it an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the ripe tomatoes offering natural sweetness and acidity, to the fresh basil which imparts a bright herbal note. Together, these essentials create a soup that is both approachable and deeply satisfying.
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped: Use the freshest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor and a naturally sweet base.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth once sautéed to translucency.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a lovely aromatic warmth that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Provides the necessary liquid and enriches the soup without overpowering the tomato flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the bisque luxuriously smooth and creamy, balancing the tomato acidity.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Infuses a fresh, vibrant taste that brightens the entire dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and adding a silky mouthfeel.
- 1 tsp sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness, cutting any sharpness from the tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Fresh Ingredients
Begin by hulling and chopping the ripe tomatoes to capture their juiciness, then dice the onion and mince the garlic finely. These fresh elements are the foundation of an incredible bisque, so take your time making sure they’re ready to shine.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, and toss in the diced onions. Cook them gently until translucent and soft; this slow process unlocks their natural sweetness and lays a delicious base for your bisque.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Garlic
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and minced garlic, allowing them to mingle and soften for about five minutes. This step helps meld the flavors together, releasing their bright and aromatic qualities.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 20 minutes, giving the flavors time to develop and concentrate into a beautiful bisque.
Step 5: Puree Until Silky Smooth
Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup. This technique transforms the chunky vegetables into a luscious, smooth texture that’s signature to a perfect bisque.
Step 6: Stir in the Cream and Season
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to create that irresistibly creamy consistency. Now’s the time to add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste—adjusting seasoning until every spoonful sings with balanced flavor. Finally, fold in the fresh chopped basil to elevate the aroma and brightness.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To make your bisque feel extra special, top each bowl with a few fresh basil leaves or a swirl of cream. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of good olive oil adds an inviting finish.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for dunking. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette can also balance the richness and round out your meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve your Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls or miniature crocks at a dinner party. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a dash of smoked paprika gives a surprising twist that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy that comforting flavor again without much effort.
Freezing
This bisque freezes beautifully! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen, it can last up to 3 months, making it a handy meal to prepare in advance and thaw when the craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain that lovely silky texture. Adding a splash of cream or broth during reheating can revive the soup’s fresh flavor and smooth mouthfeel.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh ripe tomatoes give the best sweetness and brightness for the Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe, canned whole peeled tomatoes work well too and make this recipe more accessible year-round.
Is there a dairy-free version of this soup?
Yes, you can substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for the heavy cream to keep the bisque rich and creamy without dairy. Just be sure to adjust seasoning to balance the slight sweetness these alternatives bring.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while simmering gives a nice kick that complements the creamy tomato base perfectly.
What’s the difference between bisque and tomato soup?
Bisque is traditionally a richer, cream-based soup with a smooth, puréed texture, often featuring shellfish or vegetables. This Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe emphasizes creaminess and silky texture that distinguishes it from simpler tomato soups.
How long does it take to make this soup?
This Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick yet impressive dish you can whip up any night of the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of creamy tomato soup that feels homemade, fresh, and indulgent all at once. This Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe captures that magic perfectly, offering cozy warmth and a burst of vibrant flavor that’s sure to brighten any day. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to comfort food!
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Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup is a rich and comforting dish combining fresh ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic and onion, and a touch of fresh basil, all blended into a velvety smooth bisque with a luscious cream finish. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, it provides a deliciously smooth texture and a balanced flavor of sweetness and savory notes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Liquids & Oils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Hull and chop the ripe tomatoes. Dice the medium onion and mince the garlic cloves to ensure even cooking and flavor release.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent, developing a sweet and soft base for the soup.
- Cook tomatoes and garlic: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and minced garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and their flavors meld together.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend deeply and for the tomatoes to break down fully.
- Puree the soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it becomes silky smooth, creating the signature creamy bisque texture.
- Finish with cream and seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream, then adjust seasoning by adding salt, pepper, and sugar to balance the acidity and enhance the flavors. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy tomato bisque soup.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, roast the tomatoes beforehand to add a smoky depth.
- Use fresh basil for the best aroma; dried basil can be used but add less.
- Adjust the cream quantity to make the bisque lighter or richer according to preference.
- This soup freezes well; store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
