I grew up on Campbells tomato soup – which is SO comforting and simple. In the last few years we have started making a long simmer tomato bisque and it is WORTH IT. There is little method, but a few key ingredients. Seasoned Kitchen Folks – scroll down for the very basic cliff notes.
We have this mentioned in our 2023 Menu in Review. If you want to see what we ate in 2023 – click here!
START
Any good soup starts with onion and garlic. Aspen*, our good friend, says that how I start every meal… it just might be true.
ADD
This is where you are able to be creative and practical. Put pretty much any vegetable from your fridge into the pot. Peppers, carrots, celery, zucchini. Probably skip potatoes…
Then a load of tomatoes. If you have saved parmesan rind, this is my favorite way to use it.
Let these simmer for a while.
HERBS
Thyme, Oregano, any Italian Herb mix. Pepper. Something to add a natural taste into the tomato bisque.
KEY INGREDIENT
Add a small jar of pesto, probably around 10 ounces. As well as about 1/4 cup of sugar (or honey) and tablespoon of salt. Tomatoes need salt and the acidity needs to be countered with sugar or honey. If you add honey, just add it in slow, tasting as you add.
These ingredients are best at personal preference. Originally there wasn’t enough of either and the soup was okay, tested by the man of the house who knows what tastes good. When I added more salt and sugar it was a total game changer, it moved from a six to a solid nine.
CRUSH
We just got a hand blender – those suckers are powerful! That is how I crushed the vegetables. If you like a little larger chunks use a potato masher and get small but not tiny chunks.
FINAL
Heavy Cream, probably about a cup. Add a little (1/4 cup) at a time and see how you like it. When it hits the just right spot – stop!
SERVE
It is great served with a little heavy cream drizzle, parmesan (and gouda) sprinkle. Croutons and basil would really set it over the edge!
enjoy! This is one of the best parts of winter. Eating cozy foods that fill your body and create conversation that feeds the soul.
CLIFF NOTES for tomato bisque
Onion
Garlic
Tomato
Other Veg (Carrots, Peppers, Zucchini, Spinach, etc.)
Pesto
Parmesan Rind
Heavy Cream
Sugar/Honey
Salt
Let it simmer all day.
(*) name changed
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