Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup
A warm and satisfying soup that's easy to prepare and perfect for chilly days, bursting with flavor and customizable ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes or 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil or 3 fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
Instructions
Preparation
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, sugar, basil, and tomato paste.
- Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Let it cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- If using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until silky.
- Return the soup to the pot and reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk.
- Let it warm for another 3–5 minutes without boiling.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, croutons, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a smokier flavor, add the paprika; use fresh tomatoes when in season for the best-tasting soup. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano for a unique twist.