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Home >> Soups >> Creamy Tomato Bisque

Creamy Tomato Bisque

Mar 22, 2020 · 17 Comments

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Tomato Bisque is creamy, silky smooth, tomato-based soup, a variation on the classic tomato soup. This bisque is easy to make, uses pantry staples, and comes together in no time!!

Two of my favorite tomato soup, are the traditional tomato soup, without any cream, and the tomato bisque, with some touch of cream. Both have a unique flavor and texture. Pairs well with some grilled cheese.

 

Tomato Soup

 

TOMATO BISQUE

Bisque is a French-style creamy soup made with tomatoes and cream. This soup is so easy to make and with simple pantry ingredients, you can make this delicious soup, great for busy weeknights or even for entertaining.

I make this soup quite often and I and my family devour this soup. This soup is a hit in my family, my kids always go for seconds, and thirds. The best part about this soup is that even though it is a cream-based soup, the cream is not overpowering. I find it a nice, rich tomato soup, with the perfect balance of flavors from the tomatoes and the cream.

When tomatoes are in season, I use fresh tomatoes to make this tomato bisque. Sometimes, I also roast these tomatoes, to bring out the bold flavor of the tomatoes. Roasting the tomatoes also helps bring out the natural sweetness in the tomatoes.

Today, I am using canned diced tomatoes, as that’s what I have in hand. Good quality diced tomatoes are a key to this delicious tomato bisque.

I prefer organic diced tomatoes, however, feel free to use tomatoes of your choice. You can also use fire-roasted canned tomatoes, for a bold flavor in the bisque.

The best part about this soup is that you can make it as rich as you like, use heavy cream, half and half, evaporated milk, or even milk to keep it lighter, still, it tastes so good. This soup is easily customizable and can be made vegan, just skip the dairy and use any plant-based milk substitute such as almond milk, cashew milk, or even coconut milk or coconut cream tastes great. How cool is it??

Pic Shown: Tomato Bisque

 

Tomato Soup

 

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TOMATO SOUP AND TOMATO BISQUE

Tomato soup and tomato bisque, both are made with tomatoes as the main ingredient. 

Tomato soup can be made in many different ways and may be served hot or cold. It may be smooth or chunky in texture. Tomato soup uses chicken or vegetable broth. Typically, tomato soup does not have any cream. The soup is thickened using a roux, or with cornstarch.

Bisque is a cream-based soup made with vegetables or seafood, where pre-cooked ingredients are pureed along with some cream to get a nice smooth, velvety texture soup. We love the vegetarian version of bisque such as squash, tomato, mushroom, or red pepper bisque.

Today, I am sharing my recipe for this delicious, creamy, velvety texture Tomato bisque, using pantry ingredients. Thus, keeping it simple, and flavorful. I like to serve this Tomato bisque with some grilled cheese sandwich or some homemade croutons.

INGREDIENTS FOR TOMATO BISQUE

(2)  14.5 ounces can diced tomatoes

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium carrot, diced

2-3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tablespoons white rice, uncooked

3 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter, unsalted

salt & pepper, adjust to taste

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste

1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey, adjust to taste

1/4 cup heavy cream, half-n-half, evaporated milk, or milk (optional)

1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional), as needed

FOR GARNISH

a handful of fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

cream

croutons

Pic Shown: Tomato Bisque

 

Tomato Soup

 

HOW TO MAKE TOMATO BISQUE

Sharing a quick and easy recipe to make this luscious Tomato bisque using pantry ingredients. I love to make this bisque in Instant Pot, however, you can also make this on the stovetop. Please refer to the post later for – STOVETOP TOMATO BISQUE

INSTANT POT TOMATO BISQUE

Turn ON the sauté mode (more), when it displays “HOT”, add oil, and butter.

Add onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.

Add tomatoes, rice, cayenne pepper, some salt, and black pepper to taste. 

Add broth, and mix well. Close the Instant Pot lid, pressure value on sealing.

Turn the Manual / Pressure Cook (high) for 10 minutes.

After the Instant Pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally, around 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, manually release the remaining pressure.

Open the Instant Pot. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to a smooth consistency.

Note: You can also blend the soup in a blender jar in batches.

 

 

Turn ON sauté mode (more). Add cream (optional), sugar, or honey to taste, and bring it to a gentle boil.

Adjust seasoning – salt and pepper as per taste. Turn OFF the sauté mode.

Garnish with some fresh basil, and drizzle some cream or croutons.

Tomato bisque is ready to be devoured. Enjoy!!

Pic Shown: Instant Pot Tomato Bisque

 

 

STOVETOP TOMATO BISQUE

Heat a Dutch oven or a soup pot, and add oil and butter.

Add onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.

Add tomatoes, rice, cayenne pepper, some salt, and black pepper to taste. 

Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until rice is cooked and tomatoes are soft.

Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to a smooth consistency.

Note: You can also blend the soup in a blender jar in batches.

Return the pot to the stove. Add cream (optional), sugar, or honey to taste, and bring it to a gentle boil.

Adjust seasoning – salt and pepper as per taste. Turn OFF the heat.

Garnish with some fresh basil, and drizzle some cream or croutons.

Tomato bisque is ready to be devoured. Enjoy!!

PRO TIPS FOR THE BEST TOMATO BISQUE

TOMATOES – fresh or canned tomatoes, both work great in this recipe. You can use whole, diced, or crushed canned tomatoes. 

GARLIC – I prefer fresh garlic, it adds a ton of flavor to this bisque. Feel free to use garlic powder, will work.

BROTH – low sodium broth adds layer of flavor. Low sodium broth helps control sodium intake. You can also use a bouillon, mix it with water as per package instructions and use it.

RICE – any variety of white rice would work in this recipe. Rice helps give this soup a nice creamy consistency without adding a whole lot of cream. The starch in the rice also helps thicken the soup without adding any cornstarch. I used long grain rice for this recipe.

CREAM (OPTIONAL) – add cream at the end to avoid any curdling of the cream. You can use heavy, half and half, evaporated milk, or even regular milk to suit your taste. 

Depending upon the amount of cream added to the bisque, the color of the bisque will vary.

For VEGAN – Skip the dairy and add any natural, plant-based milk such as almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, or cream.

SUGAR OR HONEY – helps balance the flavors, adjust to your taste. I prefer honey or brown sugar. You can use any sweetener of your choice.

BAKING SODA – though I have not used it in the recipe. Sometimes tomatoes are quite tangy. Adding baking soda to bisque neutralizes the acid in the tomatoes. Thus, making the bisque taste less acidic or sour, and also preventing the cream from curdling when added to the soup.

If the bisque turns out to be tart, add a 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, mix well and bring a soup to a boil.

VARIATIONS TO THIS DELICIOUS TOMATO BISQUE

TOMATO BISQUE WITH FRESH TOMATOES

Blanch the tomatoes in hot boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Remove and place the tomatoes in ice water. Peel the tomatoes and use them in the recipe.

ROASTED TOMATO BISQUE

Roasting the tomatoes brings about their natural sweetness and bold flavors in the tomatoes.

Cut the fresh tomatoes in half, and arrange the tomatoes on a baking sheet. Toss them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the tomatoes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.

When they are done, peel the skin and use the tomatoes in the recipe.

LIGHTER VERSION OF BISQUE 

Use half-n-half, evaporated milk, or regular milk to keep it light.

SUGAR SUBSTITUE

You can use any sweetener of your choice to balance the flavors in the soup. Honey, maple syrup, or preferred sweetener, work just fine.

VEGAN TOMATO BISQUE

Skip the dairy and add any natural, plant-based milk such as almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk.

Pic Shown: Tomato Bisque

 

Tomato Soup

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY ADD RICE

Rice helps give this soup a nice creamy consistency without adding a whole lot of cream. The starch in the rice also helps thicken the soup without adding any cornstarch. Thus, making the soup light and creamy.

HOW TO THICKEN BISQUE

There are few ways to thicken the soup as follows:

REDUCE THE BISQUE

Let the bisque simmer for some time, until the soup thickens to the desired consistency.

ADD CORNSTARCH SLURRY

Take equal portions of cornstarch and water, mix it and gradually add this slurry to the bisque. Cook until the soup thickens.

HOW TO MAKE BISQUE VEGAN

Skip the dairy and add any natural, plant-based milk such as almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk.

Instead of butter, use vegan butter or oil.

HOW TO SERVE BISQUE

Just before serving the bisque, I like to garnish the bisque with a drizzle of heavy cream, and some finely shredded basil leaves.

Creamy, flavorful tomato bisque pairs well with classic French bread, grilled cheese sandwich, some homemade croutons, or even salads. Enjoy!!

Pic Shown: Tomato Bisque

 

Tomato Soup

 

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★ If you tried this recipe, I would love to hear your feedback. Please rate the recipe and/or leave a comment below.

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SOME MORE SOUP RECIPES!

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Minestrone Soup

Tomato Carrot Beetroot Soup

Moroccan Chickpea Tomato Soup

 

Tomato Soup

Creamy Tomato Bisque

Jyoti Behrani
Tomato Bisque is a creamy, silky smooth, tomato based soup, a variation to the classic tomato soup. This bisque is easy to make, uses pantry ingredients and comes together in no time!!
5 from 10 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American, French
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

INGREDIENTS FOR TOMATO BISQUE

  • 2 x 14.5 ounces can diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tablespoons white rice, uncooked
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted; For vegan, see recipe notes.
  • salt & pepper, adjust to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey, adjust to taste
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream, half-n-half, evaporated milk, or milk (optional); For vegan, see recipe notes.
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, optional, as needed

FOR GARNISH

  • a handful of fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
  • cream
  • croutons

Instructions
 

INSTANT POT TOMATO BISQUE

  • Turn ON the sauté mode (more), when it displays “HOT”, add oil, and butter.
  • Add onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes, rice, cayenne pepper, some salt, and black pepper to taste.
  • Add broth, and mix well. Close the Instant Pot lid, pressure value on sealing.
  • Turn the Manual / Pressure Cook (high) for 10 minutes.
  • After the Instant Pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally, around 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, manually release the remaining pressure.
  • Open the Instant Pot. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to a smooth consistency.
    Note: You can also blend the soup in a blender jar in batches.
  • Turn ON sauté mode (more). Add cream (optional), sugar, or honey to taste, and bring it to a gentle boil.
  • Adjust seasoning – salt and pepper as per taste. Turn OFF the sauté mode.
  • Garnish with some fresh basil, and drizzle some cream or croutons.
  • Tomato bisque is ready to be devoured. Enjoy!!

STOVETOP TOMATO BISQUE

  • Heat a Dutch oven or a soup pot, and add oil and butter.
  • Add onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes, rice, cayenne pepper, some salt, and black pepper to taste.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until rice is cooked and tomatoes are soft.
  • Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to a smooth consistency.
    Note: You can also blend the soup in a blender jar in batches.
  • Return the pot to the stove. Add cream (optional), sugar, or honey to taste, and bring it to a gentle boil.
  • Adjust seasoning – salt and pepper as per taste. Turn OFF the heat.
  • Garnish with some fresh basil, and drizzle some cream or croutons.
  • Tomato bisque is ready to be devoured. Enjoy!!

Notes

Before adding the cream, taste the bisque, if it turns out to be tart, add a 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, mix well and bring the soup to a boil. Follow the rest of the recipe.
HOW TO MAKE TOMATO BISQUE VEGAN
Use any plant-based oil or vegan butter.
Skip the dairy and add any plant-based milk such as almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk.
Please refer to the post for the following:
  1. PRO Tips For The Best Tomato Bisque
  2. Variations To This Delicious Tomato Bisque
  3. Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

Tried this recipe?Mention @livingsmartandhealthy or tag #livingsmartandhealthy
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Check out Living Smart And Healthy!

KEYWORD

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Tomato Soup

 

 

30 minutes or less, 5 Ingredients or less, Dairy-free, French, Instant Pot, Low-carb, nut-free, Pantry Essentials, Soups, Vegan, Vegetarian 30 minutes or less, 5 Ingredients or less, Dairy-free, French, Instant Pot, Low-carb, nut-free, Pantry Essentials, Soup /Chili, Vegan, Vegetarian

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bella Gee says

    April 9, 2020 at 11:47 pm

    This was so good! My kids loved it and so did I. Fast and easy. I used cans of fire roasted tomatoes. Will be making often! Thank you.

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      April 10, 2020 at 1:59 pm

      Hi Bella, I am so glad you liked my recipe. Thank you for sharing your feedback!

      Reply
  2. savvy_lady says

    October 3, 2020 at 1:25 am

    5 stars
    This was my first time making a bisque … or any type of puree soup for that matter. Followed the recipe exactly as written, and I would not change a thing! The consistency was perfect, and had a wonderful melody of flavor. A little spice, but not too much. Served with homemade croutons & Welsh Rarebit. It was a hit in my house with not a bit of leftovers! I’d be interested to see how well this would freeze (before the addition of cream, of course). This would be perfect to have portioned out in the freezer for quick meals.

    Thank you for sharing. I will definitely be making this again!

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      October 6, 2020 at 2:51 pm

      Awesome! I am so glad you liked my recipe. Thanks for sharing your feedback!

      Reply
  3. oh2btan says

    January 7, 2021 at 4:20 pm

    5 stars
    OMG. This is outstanding and so bloody east to make. The only critique I have is 1/8 of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper makes it a little hot for people that don’t like spicy food. It was easy to make. It was quick. And it was damn delicious. This will be a keeper.

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      January 7, 2021 at 11:29 pm

      Awesome! I am so glad you liked my recipe 🙂 Thanks for sharing your feedback!

      Reply
  4. Dionne says

    February 21, 2021 at 3:08 pm

    5 stars
    I am making this for my third time and I love it so much that I am doubling the recipe. Thank you so much for this deliciousness!!!

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      February 21, 2021 at 3:16 pm

      Awesome! I am so glad you liked my recipe 🙂 Thanks for sharing your feedback!

      Reply
  5. Ana F. says

    December 9, 2021 at 11:12 pm

    5 stars
    I made this Tomato Bisque for the family and it was a hit! Everyone loved it but the best part is that it was super easy to make too. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      December 10, 2021 at 12:38 am

      Hi Ana, I’m so happy to hear this. You’re welcome!

      Reply
  6. Maria San Juan says

    December 10, 2021 at 1:11 am

    5 stars
    This is perfect on days i just want to eat something very light!

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      December 10, 2021 at 2:00 am

      Absolutely! So glad you liked the tomato soup ?

      Reply
  7. Gail Montero says

    December 10, 2021 at 1:54 am

    5 stars
    You can’t go wrong with tomato-based soup so this is right up our alley! Perfectly paired with. my favorite roll – so tasty!

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      December 10, 2021 at 1:59 am

      Hi Gail, I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the bisque ?

      Reply
  8. Andrea says

    December 10, 2021 at 2:17 am

    5 stars
    So glad I found this recipe. I’m always in search of new instant pot recipes

    Reply
  9. Art says

    December 10, 2021 at 4:21 am

    5 stars
    I love this tomato bisque recipe! So many great options. The roasted version might be my favorite!

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      December 10, 2021 at 12:20 pm

      Hi Art, I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the soup 🙂

      Reply

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Hello! I'm Jyoti. Glad to meet you! I'm a mother of two beautiful kids and a wife to a loving and caring husband Welcome to my blog, my journey Living Smart and Healthy! Here you will find easy and delicious meals from around the globe.

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