Description
A creamy and comforting Tomato Bisque made with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a touch of cream, perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe combines the richness of butter and olive oil with the sweetness of carrots and tomatoes, finished off with fresh basil for a fragrant touch.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 5 to 6 fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 cup heavy cream, plus more for garnish
Seasonings
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Crushed chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced carrots and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes. This step softens the vegetables and develops their natural sweetness.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the canned whole peeled tomatoes, including their juice, bay leaves, extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and chicken or vegetable stock. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let cook uncovered until the carrots are tender, about 30 minutes. This allows flavors to meld and the vegetables to fully soften.
- Blend the soup: Remove the pot from heat. Take out the bay leaves and add the fresh basil leaves. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, allow the soup to cool slightly, then carefully blend in batches in a countertop blender until smooth.
- Finish with cream: Return the blended soup to the pot if necessary. Pour in the heavy cream and stir thoroughly until fully incorporated, creating a rich and velvety texture.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of heavy cream, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if desired for a subtle kick. Serve warm for best enjoyment.
Notes
- Use either chicken or vegetable stock depending on your dietary preference or availability.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil can be used but add at the end of cooking to preserve flavor.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper based on taste after blending the soup.
- Crushed chili flakes are optional but add a nice hint of heat if you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
