Indulge in the velvety richness of a homemade creamy tomato bisque, a soup that's as comforting as it is elegant. This classic recipe transcends the ordinary canned versions, offering a depth of flavor achieved only through slow simmering and careful attention to detail. Forget watery, bland soups; this bisque boasts a vibrant tomato taste enhanced by subtle seasonings and a luxurious creaminess that will leave you wanting more. The perfect starter for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal, this bisque is surprisingly easy to make, even for novice cooks.
Forget complicated techniques and long ingredient lists. This recipe focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple steps to deliver exceptional results. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors is perfectly harmonized, creating a symphony of taste in every spoonful. Ready to transform your culinary repertoire? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this delicious creamy tomato bisque together.
Tools Needed
- Soup pot
- Immersion blender
- Ladle
- Whisk (optional)
Ingredients
- Olive oil: a little bit
- Onions
- Celery
- Salt: big pinch
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Crushed San Marzano Tomatoes: 1 large can
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Cayenne pepper: a little touch
- Paprika: a little bit
- Sugar
- White long grain rice: 3 tablespoons
- Heavy cream
- Fresh basil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add onions and celery with a big pinch of salt and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Do not brown the garlic.


Step 2. Simmer and Cook Rice
- Pour in chicken broth (or vegetable stock/water), stir, and add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes.
- Season with black pepper, cayenne, and paprika. Add more salt if needed. Add sugar (amount depends on tomato sweetness).
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low-medium. Stir in rice.
- Simmer for 35-45 minutes, or until the rice and vegetables are very soft.




Step 3. Blend and Season
- Reduce heat to low. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and sugar.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until completely smooth. This may take a few minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream.
- Adjust the consistency (add broth for thinner soup) and taste, adding more seasoning as needed.




Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh cream and basil.

Read more: Italian Zucchini Soup with Parmesan Croutons: A Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Using San Marzano tomatoes is recommended for their sweetness. Whole tomatoes can be substituted, simply crush them before adding to the pot.
- Smoked paprika can be used instead of regular paprika for a smoky flavor.
- The rice will thicken the soup without making it starchy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process for optimal flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-350
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 5-10g
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! Use 28 ounces of high-quality canned crushed tomatoes. You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly, as canned tomatoes can vary in acidity.
2. How can I make this bisque vegan?
Simply replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy vegan version. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
This creamy tomato bisque recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. From the first sip to the last, you'll savor the depth and richness of this homemade soup. Enjoy this comforting and delicious creation – perfect for any occasion!