Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque (Printable)

Velvety tomato and basil bisque topped with crispy golden croutons, ideal for a warm, savory start.

# What You Need:

→ Soup Base

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 carrot, peeled and diced
05 - 1 celery stalk, diced
06 - 2 cans (14 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes
07 - 2 cups vegetable broth
08 - 1 teaspoon sugar
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

→ Cream & Herbs

12 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
13 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

→ Croutons

14 - 2 cups cubed day-old bread
15 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
16 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
17 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
02 - Add the canned tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir to combine.
03 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp, turning halfway through.
05 - Remove soup from heat. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches to puree until smooth.
06 - Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil. Return to low heat and warm through for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
07 - Serve hot, topped with croutons and extra fresh basil leaves.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The secret is blending those canned whole tomatoes which give you way more depth than diced ones ever could
  • Its surprisingly restaurant quality but comes together in under an hour
02 -
  • Letting the soup cool slightly before pureeing prevents dangerous steam explosions
  • The sugar might seem odd but it completely transforms the tomatoes sharpness
03 -
  • Use an immersion blender right in the pot to save dishes
  • Taste the canned tomatoes before adding sugar

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