Silky tomato bisque with garlic

<p>This tomato bisque is rich and creamy with a smooth texture that comes from blending roasted garlic and cream together. It’s the kind of cozy soup that’s simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to serve guests. Pair it with grilled cheese or crusty bread and you have a comforting dinner ready in under an hour.</p> <p>I first made this on a chilly evening to warm up after work. Now it’s a family favorite that my partner requests whenever the weather turns cool.</p>

Ingredients

<ul><li><strong>Olive oil:</strong> a good quality extra virgin oil imparts a fruity, fresh base</li><li><strong>Onion:</strong> brings sweetness and flavor depth choose firm and unblemished</li><li><strong>Carrot:</strong> adds natural sweetness and enhances the soup’s color</li><li><strong>Celery:</strong> builds the savory foundation use bright stalks with crisp leaves</li><li><strong>Roasted garlic:</strong> mellow and rich flavor roasting transforms raw pungency into buttery softness</li><li><strong>Allpurpose flour:</strong> thickens the soup effortlessly be sure to cook it through to avoid any raw taste</li><li><strong>Chicken broth:</strong> low sodium for better control of seasoning you can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option</li><li><strong>Diced tomatoes:</strong> canned tomatoes bring ripe, concentrated flavor opt for good quality with minimal additives</li><li><strong>Bay leaves:</strong> subtly herbal notes that marry the flavors</li><li><strong>Heavy cream:</strong> creates the characteristic richness fresh cream will make it silky and luxurious</li><li><strong>Salt and pepper:</strong> season at the end to taste for perfect balance</li><li><strong>Parsley or fresh basil:</strong> adds a bright herbal finish and pretty garnish</li></ul>

Instructions

<dl><dt><strong>Sauté the Vegetables:</strong></dt><dd>Heat olive oil in a pot over mediumhigh heat until shimmering. Add diced onion, sliced carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes translucent and softens. This slow cooking extracts and builds flavor from the vegetables.</dd><dt><strong>Add Roasted Garlic:</strong></dt><dd>Stir in roasted garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning. Roasted garlic softens the harshness you get from raw garlic and adds a subtle sweetness.</dd><dt><strong>Make the Roux and Add Liquids:</strong></dt><dd>Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and garlic. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to cook the flour and avoid a raw taste. Then pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, and add the bay leaves. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.</dd><dt><strong>Simmer the Soup:</strong></dt><dd>Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The slow simmer allows flavors to marry and the soup to thicken.</dd><dt><strong>Blend Until Smooth:</strong></dt><dd>Remove the bay leaves carefully. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until completely smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the soup cool slightly before carefully blending it in batches in a regular blender.</dd><dt><strong>Add Cream and Season:</strong></dt><dd>Return the soup to low heat if needed and stir in three quarters of the heavy cream. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your taste. Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish each with a drizzle of the remaining cream, fresh basil or parsley, and an extra crack of pepper for a beautiful finish.</dd></dl>

<p>Sharing this soup on a cold night quickly became one of those moments where everyone gathers around the table and feels cozy and full.</p>

Storage Tips

<p>Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of extra cream or broth to revive the texture if needed. For longer storage, freeze in freezersafe containers or bags for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.</p>

Ingredient Substitutions

<p>Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version with equally rich flavor. halfandhalf or plant based cream work well to lighten the dish without losing its silky finish. If you don’t have roasted garlic, you can roast whole heads of garlic yourself by brushing with olive oil and baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 40 minutes.</p>

Serving Suggestions

<p>Pair with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort combo. A baguette or crusty artisan bread with butter is perfect for dipping. A crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup for a well rounded meal.</p>

<p>This tomato bisque is easy to make and freezes well for meal prep. Serve it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese for a cozy, satisfying meal.</p>

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What gives this bisque its silky texture?

The smoothness comes from blending the cooked vegetables and tomatoes thoroughly, then adding cream for richness.

→ Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth works well and provides a lighter flavor without compromising richness.

→ How does roasting garlic affect the flavor?

Roasting garlic adds a mellow, slightly sweet depth that elevates the bisque's overall taste.

→ What is the best way to blend the soup?

An immersion blender is convenient for blending directly in the pot, but a regular blender works if you let it cool first.

→ Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut or oat cream for a dairy-free option.