This tomato bisque recipe takes the classic soup to a new level with added ingredients that elevate the flavors and create a velvety texture. With a hint of spice and a touch of sweetness, this robust soup will delight your taste buds and keep you warm on cold days. Whether enjoyed as a comforting lunch or an impressive dinner starter, this tomato bisque on steroids is sure to please.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, dried basil, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
- Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Ladle the tomato bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
The addition of brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and balances the acidity.
This recipe can easily be made vegan by substituting the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
Leftover tomato bisque tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Serve the tomato bisque with a side of crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwich for a complete and satisfying meal.