Description
This creamy tomato basil bisque is a comforting and flavorful soup featuring sautéed vegetables, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a smooth, velvety texture achieved with a cornstarch slurry and blending. Perfect as a cozy lunch or light dinner, it combines classic ingredients with a touch of heat from optional red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive)
- 1 cup sweet onion (finely diced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 ribs celery (finely diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
Main Ingredients
- 28 oz. can peeled whole tomatoes (with juice)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp. sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp. oregano (dried)
- 1 tsp. salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste)
- ¼-½ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
For Thickening and Finishing
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream)
- 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
- ½ cup fresh basil (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add oil, onions, carrots, and celery to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Then add minced garlic and continue sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the peeled whole tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, sugar (if using), dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes to develop flavor.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: Warm the milk or heavy cream in the microwave until warm but not boiling. Whisk in the cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Blend the Soup: Once the soup has simmered, pour in the cornstarch slurry and add the chopped fresh basil. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until completely smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a high-speed blender or food processor to puree until smooth.
- Simmer to Thicken: Return the blended soup to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy tomato basil bisque into bowls, drizzle with a little extra milk or heavy cream if desired, sprinkle with additional fresh basil, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based milk.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder soup.
- Use fresh tomatoes in season for a lighter flavor variation.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Ensure to stir continuously when adding the cornstarch slurry to avoid lumps.
