basil tomato bisque recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best basil tomato bisque recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the simplicity and elegance of a well-crafted bisque. This basil tomato bisque recipe is a perfect example of how a few high-quality ingredients can come together to create a truly special dish.

The combination of sweet, ripe tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil is a match made in heaven, and the creamy texture of the soup is the perfect complement to the bright, herbaceous flavors. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy this recipe is to make – just sauté some onions and garlic, add in some canned tomatoes and fresh basil, and let the soup simmer until it’s velvety smooth.

My kids love it because it’s a fun twist on traditional tomato soup, and I love it because it’s packed with nutrients from the tomatoes and basil. We like to serve it with a swirl of cream and some crusty bread for dipping – it’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly fall evening or a cozy winter night in.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly adaptable – feel free to add in some cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein, or use different types of tomatoes for varying levels of sweetness.

And as an added bonus, this soup is incredibly healthy – tomatoes are packed with vitamin C and lycopene, while basil is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping side dish for your next dinner party, this basil tomato bisque recipe is sure to impress.

Creamy Basil Tomato Bisque

4.9 from 960 votes

A comforting and flavorful soup featuring ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for chilly evenings. This bisque is creamy and rich, with a touch of acidity from the tomatoes.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Bisque

2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
3Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and lightly browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
4Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
5Stir well to combine.
6Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
7Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8The soup should thicken slightly and the flavors should meld together.
9Remove the pot from heat.
10Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
11If you do not have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and puree until smooth.
12Return the soup to the pot.
13Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil.
14Cook over medium heat until the soup is heated through, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
15Do not let the soup boil.
16Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
17The basil should be fragrant and the soup should have a creamy texture.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Immersion blender

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 18g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother bisque, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve before adding the cream and basil. To make this recipe vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

Watch Video Of How Creamy Basil Tomato Bisque Works

One of my favorite things about this basil tomato bisque recipe is how easily it stores – simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to reheat it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat on low heat until warmed through.

And as an added bonus? This soup makes an amazing base for other soups – try adding in some cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein, or experimenting with different herbs and spices for new flavor combinations.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Basil Tomato Bisque

Q: What type of tomatoes should I use in this recipe?

The beauty of this recipe is that you can use any type of tomato you like – fresh, canned, or even frozen! For the best results, I recommend using high-quality canned tomatoes that are labeled ‘san marzano’ or ‘pomodoro’. These Italian tomatoes are harvested at the peak of ripeness and have a naturally sweeter flavor than other varieties.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

This soup freezes beautifully, so feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or reheat it on the stovetop until warmed through.

Q: How do I adjust the seasoning on this soup?

The key to this recipe is balancing out the acidity from the tomatoes with just enough salt and sugar to bring out their natural sweetness. Start by adding in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of sugar per cup of soup – then taste and adjust as needed!

Q: Can I add other herbs or spices to this soup?

Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices to give this soup your own unique flavor! Some options might include adding in some chopped parsley for added freshness, or using smoked paprika for a smoky depth.

Q: Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

This soup is completely vegetarian-friendly – just be sure to check your ingredients list for any hidden animal products.

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