Garden Tomato Bisque
Garden Tomato Bisque: A Taste of Summer in Every Bowl
Is your garden overflowing with ripe, juicy tomatoes? Or maybe you just snagged a fantastic deal at the farmer’s market? Either way, you need to make this Garden Tomato Bisque! It’s a comforting, flavorful soup that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This recipe is incredibly versatile – enjoy it as a light lunch, a sophisticated appetizer, or a hearty dinner alongside a crusty bread.
This bisque is more than just a tomato soup; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients. The subtle sweetness of the tomatoes is beautifully balanced by aromatic herbs and a touch of cream, creating a velvety smooth texture that will leave you wanting more. It’s surprisingly easy to make, too – perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.
What makes this bisque special?
- Fresh Tomato Flavor: Using garden-fresh (or high-quality canned) tomatoes is key to achieving that vibrant, authentic taste.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have many of these pantry staples on hand.
- Customizable: Adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Texture Choice: Enjoy it chunky or perfectly smooth – the choice is yours!
Tips for the Best Tomato Bisque:
- Tomato Quality: If using canned tomatoes, opt for fire-roasted for a deeper, smokier flavor.
- Herb Power: Fresh basil is amazing as a garnish, but dried basil works beautifully in the soup itself.
- Creamy Dreamy: Heavy cream adds richness, but you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Immersion Blender vs. Regular Blender: An immersion blender makes quick work of pureeing the soup directly in the pot. If using a regular blender, be sure to vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use different herbs?
A: Absolutely! Oregano, rosemary, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes would be delicious additions.
Q: Can I make this bisque ahead of time?
A: Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Is this soup vegan/vegetarian?
A: This recipe is vegetarian. To make it vegan, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative.
Q: Can I freeze this bisque?
A: Yes, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to freeze it before adding the cream.
Q: What goes well with Tomato Bisque?
A: Grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread for dipping, a fresh salad, or a simple Caprese salad are all excellent pairings.
Get ready to savor the taste of summer with this delightful Garden Tomato Bisque!
Garden Tomato Bisque
Ingredients
- 1-2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 C diced onions you may use frozen onions
- 1 cup carrots in chunks (optional)
- 1 cup celery sliced (optional)
- 10-12 large peeled and chopped tomatoes or 3 cans petite diced tomatoes
- 1 6-oz can tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried basil or 2 Tbsp. fresh, chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 C heavy cream
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except cream to a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook 10-15 minutes, or until tomatoes are softened.
- Remove from heat and stir in cream.
- Serve chunky-style, or puree in batches with an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped basil.
Discover more from Resoupies
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.