Tomato Parmesan Bisque

Tomato Parmesan Bisque is a rich, creamy soup that combines the tangy sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the savory depth of Parmesan cheese, creating an indulgent yet comforting meal. This smooth, velvety bisque can be enjoyed as a hearty appetizer or a satisfying main dish. Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe will deliver a bowl of deliciousness every time.

In this recipe, I will include all the details, including prep time, cooking time, and nutritional information, ensuring you have a comprehensive guide to making this dish. Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and nutrition breakdown.

Tomato Parmesan Bisque

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
• 1 small onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (or about 6-8 medium fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped)
• 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (for creaminess)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps reduce acidity)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Allow it to melt and coat the bottom of the pot.
2. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté it for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure the onions don’t burn.
3. Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth

1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh). If using fresh tomatoes, you can blend or crush them before adding, but canned crushed tomatoes work perfectly for convenience.
2. Add the vegetable or chicken broth, and dried basil. If you have fresh basil, add it in at the end for a fresher flavor, but dried works just fine.
3. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and optional sugar to cut down on the acidity of the tomatoes.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, lower the heat slightly and let the soup cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

1. Once the tomatoes have cooked down and the flavors have melded together, it’s time to blend the soup. Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until it becomes smooth and velvety. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender. Just be sure to allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it to the blender to prevent splashing.
2. After blending, return the soup to the pot.

Step 4: Add Cream and Parmesan

1. Stir in the heavy cream, ensuring it fully incorporates into the soup, turning it rich and creamy. If you want a thicker bisque, you can add a little more cream.
2. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely into the soup, enriching the flavor with a savory, cheesy undertone.
3. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. If necessary, add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
4. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together fully.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the bisque into bowls, making sure it is well mixed and creamy.
2. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley.
3. Serve with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

This recipe yields about 4-6 servings, depending on portion size. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Calories: 280-350 kcal
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 9g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 600-800mg
Calcium: 25% of the Daily Value (DV)
Iron: 10% of the DV

Nutritional Breakdown:

• Calories: The calories in this Tomato Parmesan Bisque are relatively moderate for a creamy soup, thanks to the use of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, which add richness without overwhelming the dish.
• Protein: The Parmesan cheese contributes a moderate amount of protein to the soup, helping make it more filling. Pairing it with a protein-rich side, such as grilled chicken or a protein-packed sandwich, will boost the overall protein content of the meal.
• Carbohydrates: This soup has a fair amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the tomatoes and the broth. The sugar content can be reduced by adjusting the sugar you add (which is optional).
• Fat: The fat content is high because of the heavy cream and butter or oil used in this recipe. While these fats contribute to the rich, luxurious texture of the bisque, you can reduce the fat content by using lighter cream or a smaller amount of oil.
• Sodium: The sodium content in this soup is moderate but can be adjusted based on the broth and cheese used. If you’re concerned about sodium, opt for low-sodium broth and use less salt when seasoning.
• Fiber: Tomatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, which adds a bit of bulk to the soup and aids in digestion.
• Vitamins and Minerals: The soup contains a good amount of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, thanks to the tomatoes. Parmesan cheese adds calcium and iron, while the fresh herbs provide extra vitamins.

Tips for Customization:

1. Make it Vegan: If you prefer a vegan version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use a vegan cheese instead of Parmesan.
2. Add Vegetables: For an extra boost of nutrients, add vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach to the soup before blending.
3. Spicy Version: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice up the soup. A touch of cayenne pepper will give it an extra kick!
4. Low-Fat Version: If you want to make the soup a little lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute it with a lower-fat option like whole milk.
5. Homemade Croutons: For added texture, top the bisque with homemade croutons or roasted garlic bread pieces. This adds a delightful crunch to contrast the creamy soup.

Conclusion:

Tomato Parmesan Bisque is a perfect blend of flavors that’s easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. With its creamy texture, rich taste, and comforting warmth, this bisque makes for a satisfying meal on its own or paired with a variety of sides. The recipe is also versatile, allowing for easy customization based on dietary preferences. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this soup will surely become a favorite. Enjoy!