Description
This Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup is a rich and comforting soup made with crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a luscious cream-based roux. Slow-cooked to develop deep flavors and blended to a smooth, velvety texture, this bisque is perfect for a cozy meal and pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 15 ounces crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Roux and Cream
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream (or as much as needed)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Warm olive oil over medium-high heat in a pot. Add salt, thyme sprigs, garlic cloves, chopped parsley, and chopped basil. Cook for about one minute to release the flavors before adding other soup ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and sugar. Lower the heat to medium once the soup begins to simmer. Let it cook gently for 30 minutes to develop flavor. Then remove the thyme sprigs and garlic cloves from the soup.
- Blend the Soup: Lower the heat to low and allow the soup to cool slightly. Use a hand immersion blender to gently blend the soup until it turns creamy and thickens to a smooth consistency.
- Prepare the Roux: In a small pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, adding 3 to 4 tablespoons or until the roux reaches a creamy, soft texture similar to Greek yogurt.
- Combine Roux and Soup: Slowly pour the roux mixture into the tomato bisque while whisking continuously. This will thicken the soup further and add richness.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the bisque and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, or croutons before serving for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For onion lovers, dice one shallot and add it to the pot along with garlic and thyme at the beginning.
- To vary the flavor, try using fire-roasted tomatoes and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- This bisque pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic comfort meal.
- Nutrition estimates are based on 4 servings, with each serving being one quarter of the soup. Ingredient brands may vary nutritional values, so consult a nutritionist for precise info.