Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque (Print version)
Velvety tomato and basil blend with cream creates a rich, comforting classic soup.
# What you'll need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
05 - 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with juices
06 - 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
→ Liquids
07 - 2 cups vegetable broth
08 - 1 cup heavy cream
→ Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon sugar
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
# How to make it:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrot; sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and edges become translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
03 - Add diced tomatoes with their juices, chopped basil, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
04 - Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld.
05 - Remove pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully blend in batches using a standard blender, venting lid to release steam.
06 - Pour heavy cream into the pureed soup and stir to incorporate. Reheat gently over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
07 - Ladle hot soup into individual bowls. Garnish each portion with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- The secret addition of carrot balances the tomatoes acidity without anyone tasting the difference
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
02 -
- Let the soup cool slightly before pureeing to avoid splattering hot liquid everywhere
- Always add the cream after pureeing since dairy can separate if boiled too vigorously
03 -
- Taste your tomatoes before adding sugar since some brands are naturally sweeter than others
- If using a standard blender, remove the center cap from the lid and cover with a kitchen towel to let steam escape