Easy recipe: Tomato bisque

Tomato bisque (Photo: iStock)

Tomato bisque is a classic soup that never fails to delight the taste buds. With its rich and velvety texture, this comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings or when you simply crave a bowl of nourishing goodness.

Ingredients:

Two tablespoons of olive oil

One medium-sized onion, finely chopped

Two cloves of garlic, minced

Two cans (400g each) of crushed tomatoes

One cup of vegetable broth

One teaspoon of sugar

One teaspoon of dried basil

1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme

1/2 cup of heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saute until translucent for about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the flavours to meld together.

Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, dried basil, and dried thyme to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for around 20 minutes. This will allow the flavours to develop and the soup to thicken slightly.

After the soup has simmered, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, be sure to work in batches and exercise caution when blending hot liquids.

Return the blended soup to the saucepan and place it over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to heat through without boiling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Once the soup is heated through and seasoned to perfection, it is ready to be served. Ladle the tomato bisque into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Serve alongside crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!