Certainly! Here’s a simple and delicious Tomato Basil Bisque recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) whole tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for a creamier bisque)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes:
- Pour in the whole tomatoes with their juice and crushed tomatoes. Break apart the whole tomatoes with a spoon. Stir in the tomato paste.
- Season:
- Add chopped basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Blend the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- Add Cream (Optional):
- If using, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamier bisque. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the bisque and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or sugar to balance the flavors.
- Serve:
- Ladle the tomato basil bisque into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Tomato Basil Bisque!
Feel free to adjust the thickness of the bisque by adding more broth or cream according to your preference. This recipe is versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste.