Rich Creamy Tomato Bisque

This tomato bisque is a comforting and elegant soup that combines the sweetness of roasted garlic and tomatoes with the richness of cream. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress guests without needing hours in the kitchen. The smooth texture and balanced flavors make it a go to recipe whenever I crave something warm and satisfying that feels a little special.

I first made this on a chilly evening, and now it’s a family favorite that even picky eaters ask for regularly.

Ingredients

• Two tablespoons olive oil: provides a rich base for sautéing and adds fruitiness choose good quality extra virgin for best flavor
• One medium onion diced: builds sweetness and depth once softened look for firm onions without blemishes
• One medium carrot sliced: adds natural sweetness and texture fresh and firm carrots work best
• One stalk celery sliced: contributes aromatic complexity choose crisp celery stalks
• One tablespoon roasted garlic: the secret star giving mellow, sweet, roasted flavor roast whole heads of garlic yourself or buy jarred roasted garlic for convenience
• Two tablespoons all purpose flour: thickens the soup to a creamy consistency use fresh flour for best results
• Four cups low sodium chicken broth: provides a flavorful liquid base low sodium lets you control the saltiness
• Twenty eight ounces canned diced tomatoes: the main tomato flavor opt for quality canned tomatoes with no added sugars
• Two bay leaves: enhance the soup with subtle herbal notes fresh or dried both work but remove before serving
• One cup heavy cream: adds richness and smooth mouthfeel use good quality cream for the best texture and flavor
• Half teaspoon salt or to taste: season carefully at the end to avoid over salting
• Quarter teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: adds just a hint of warmth and spice
• One tablespoon chopped parsley or fresh basil for garnish: adds freshness and color to finish

Instructions

Sauté the vegetables:

Heat the olive oil over medium high heat in a large pot Add the diced onion sliced carrot and sliced celery Cook for 5 to 6 minutes stirring regularly until the onion becomes soft and translucent This slow softening allows their natural sweetness and aromas to develop laying the foundation for the soup’s flavor Add the roasted garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its fragrance

Add flour and simmer with tomatoes:

Stir in the flour and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes This step cooks out the raw flour taste and helps the soup thicken later Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps then add the canned diced tomatoes and bay leaves Stir everything to combine thoroughly Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 30 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking This simmering allows flavors to meld beautifully

Purée the soup:

Remove the bay leaves Use an immersion blender to purée the soup right in the pot until completely smooth and silky If you do not have an immersion blender carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender but allow it to cool slightly to avoid splatter

Finish and serve:

Pour in three quarters of the heavy cream and stir well to blend it in Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Serve the bisque hot garnished with a drizzle of the remaining cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil along with an extra crack of pepper to brighten it

The roasted garlic in this recipe is my favorite ingredient It transforms a simple tomato soup into something restaurant quality with its mellow sweetness One family dinner this soup impressed everyone so much that my usually picky nephew asked for seconds three times It’s proof that great ingredients and a bit of patience go a long way.

Storage Tips

Let the bisque cool completely before storing it in airtight containers It will keep in the fridge for up to four days without losing its flavor or creaminess For longer storage freeze in portion sized containers for up to six months When reheating warm gently over low heat and add a splash of broth or cream if the texture thickens too much

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap heavy cream with half and half for a lighter version or use coconut cream for a dairy free alternative to keep the richness Vegetable broth works well instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option If you lack roasted garlic roasting whole cloves yourself is easy and well worth it but you can use raw minced garlic in a pinch just add it earlier in the cooking process

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort combo or crusty sourdough bread for dipping A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or croutons adds nice texture and extra flavor For a fresh touch a small side salad with vinaigrette pairs beautifully

This tomato bisque is elegant yet easy to make and perfect for cozy meals Roast the garlic and blend to a silky smooth texture for the best results.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What gives tomato bisque its creamy texture?

A combination of heavy cream and blending the soup until smooth creates the rich, creamy texture typical of tomato bisque.

→ Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth can be substituted for chicken broth with no loss of flavor, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

→ Why is roasted garlic recommended for this bisque?

Roasted garlic adds a mellow, deep flavor that enhances the overall richness and depth of the bisque.

→ How can I blend the soup smoothly without an immersion blender?

Allow the soup to cool slightly, then carefully transfer it to a regular blender in batches to puree until smooth.

→ Is it possible to lighten the bisque without losing creaminess?

Using half-and-half or plant-based cream alternatives can reduce fat while maintaining a silky texture.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 6 months. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream or broth if needed.