Tomato Basil Bisque

A rich and comforting bisque, featuring fresh tomatoes, onions, carrot, celery, garlic, and a hint of heavy cream, garnished with parmesan and fresh basil.

This Tomato Basil Bisque is a creamy, flavorful soup that celebrates fresh ingredients. Blanched and peeled tomatoes are combined with sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil to create a rich, aromatic base. Simmered with vegetable broth and fresh basil, then blended smooth and finished with heavy cream, this bisque offers a velvety texture and balanced flavor, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan for an elegant, comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

Servings

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

60 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 celery stalk, diced
4 cups fresh tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Chopped fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare Fresh Tomatoes

Boil a large pot of water and blanch the tomatoes for about 2 minutes. Transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water for a few minutes. Peel off the skin and dice the tomatoes. Set aside.

Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery, sautéing for another 5 minutes until softened.

Add Tomatoes and Broth

Add diced fresh tomatoes to the pot. Pour in vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Simmer the Soup

Simmer for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes break down and vegetables are tender.

Add Basil and Seasonings

Stir in chopped fresh basil leaves. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (optional).

Blend the Soup

Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or use a regular blender in batches (be cautious with hot liquids).

Stir in Cream

Return blended soup to the pot (if using a regular blender). Stir in heavy cream and heat through, but avoid boiling.

Garnish and Serve

Ladle the Tomato Basil Bisque into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serve

Enjoy hot, paired with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Boil a large pot of water and add the tomatoes to blanch for about 2 minutes.

Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and transfer to a bowl of ice water for a few minutes.

Remove the skin from the tomatoes with your hands as it will easily peel off. Dice the tomatoes and set aside.

Prepare all ingredients to begin the cooking process.

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add the diced fresh tomatoes to the pot and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to simmer for about 25-30 minutes. The tomatoes should break down and the vegetables should be tender.

Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and sugar (if using).

Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. You can also use a regular blender, blending the soup in batches. Be careful with the hot liquid.