If you haven’t noticed from my sad, sappy posts about Maui lately, the weather here in Colorado is kind of the pits lately. A bummer. Maybe even a soul-suck on those past few Saturdays that have contained the usually awe-inspiring-but-inappropriate-at-the-end-of-April thing called snow. [shiver] Alas, since I don’t have the funds to move to Hawaii, nor am I willing to quarantine my pups to prove they don’t have rabies, I’ll be sticking with Colorado and warm soups for now.
The first time I ever made tomato soup it was a disaster. I don’t love tomatoes anyway so I never learned how to do it, and the final product was full of bitter seeds and tasted sour. BLECH. I’m happy to say that this time around I have more of an appreciation for tomatoes in general and did my research beforehand!
The key to making this a bisque is to puree it a little at the end. Although an immersion blender would be ideal (notice I said ideal, hint hint for birthday gifts in September) a regular blender or food processor works fine.
Please note: I am not responsible for any messes that may come out of this. I’ve already cleaned up my own mess…that was enough!
This bisque would be fabulous served with some croutons on top, some shredded parmesan on top, or both. Heck, toss in a grilled cheese sandwich for good measure! I’m not one to shy away from carbs, and since I’m obviously in need of some comfort to ride out the early summer snow storms I think I’ll just double up.
Hey, I might have to hibernate…I must be ready!
CREAMY TOMATO BISQUE
- 2 lbs fresh ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup Half & Half
In a heavy saucepan heat the olive oil over medium low heat. Saute the onions for about 5-6 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute more. Add in the tomatoes and cook on medium low heat for about 5 minutes. Add the white wine, vegetable stock, and Italian seasoning and stir til combined. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes until the soup has reduced by 1/4-1/3. Remove from heat and in small batches add the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Return to pot and add the Half & Half off of the heat. Stir thoroughly. Serve immediately.
Eat!
Although a great tomato bisque doesn’t impart visions of the tropics or even change the course of the weather, it is nice to feel warmed from the inside out while snuggled under a blanket and watching movies on the couch. At least that’s what we’ll stick with… 😉
I love any kind of bisque! That looks so thick and creamy! I can’t wait to try it! 🙂
So thrilled to find this site and be able to relate to so many people….and read such a great story!! Thanks Heather!!
Help -I need a few ideas for protein shakes?? Also what brand of whey protein is a good brand to try? Any ideas anyone?? Thanks!
Wow, this looks delectable! yummmm
Making this. Thankyouverymuch.
That looks fantastic! (tho I have no idea where I’d find decent enough tomatoes)
I can relate–we were teased over the weekend by 60 degrees and sun for two days, and now, we’re back to 40’s and downpour in Seattle, the drear that we’ve had for months on end…….
As a girl from Arizona, where the first week of May usually brings the first 100+ temps, this is very strange weather indeed. This soup looks mighty tasty and perfect with grilled cheese for Meatless Monday. Yum!
I can totally relate! We had sun yesterday, but back to cloudy and rainy today…definitely a day for soup and grilled cheese! Looks great.
Boo, boo, boo to ugly weather– we’ve been getting it here too. But, you’re right– soup does taste MUCH better when the weather outside is crummy 🙂
I love fresh tomato soup. So much better than anything else. I need to make my dad’s recipe again. It’s the simplest, yet most flavorful tomato soup I have tried. This one looks right up there too.
Sorry you’re facing snow. That is unfathomable to me.
This soup + your croutons = perfect rainy day meal!
I love tomato soup, and yes especially with a grilled cheese sandwich! Perfect comfort food 🙂
Love tomato bisque!
I love chunky tomato soups, and this looks so flavorful!
mmmmm that sounds sooooo good! The weather just got really cold here! 🙁
Mmm perfectly cozy. I also could never move anywhere exotic because it would kill me to fly/quarantine my pup. Yea, that’s the only reason 🙂
Tomato Bisque is one of my favorite soups! This looks amazing 🙂