Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Herb-Infused Tomato Bisque?
It is a rich and velvety tomato soup featuring a blend of fresh herbs, spices, and half-and-half or condensed milk for a luxurious texture.
How much olive oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the onions, garlic, and dried herbs for about 5 minutes or until the onions are soft and fragrant.
What herbs are included in the herb-infused base?
The bisque is infused with dill seed, dried dill weed, dried oregano, and fresh parsley.
Why is flour added to the sautéed vegetables?
Flour is stirred into the mixture for 2 minutes to create a roux, which acts as a thickening agent for the soup.
What types of tomatoes are used in this bisque?
The recipe calls for 29 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes and 12 ounces of canned chopped tomatoes.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, while the recipe lists 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.
How do I incorporate the cream or milk?
Slowly incorporate 2 cups of half-and-half or condensed milk into the soup while stirring continuously to ensure it is fully blended.
Why does the recipe include honey?
1/2 cup of raw honey is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall richness of the flavor.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, it is tagged as vegetarian, though you should ensure you use vegetable broth if you strictly avoid meat-based stocks.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is best served hot in bowls, ideally paired with fresh, crusty bread.
How much garlic do I need?
The recipe uses 1 clove of minced garlic.
How long does the soup need to simmer after adding the broth?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
When is the fresh parsley added?
Fresh parsley is added toward the end of the process, along with the honey, before the final 10-minute simmer.
Can I use condensed milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 cups of half-and-half or 2 cups of condensed milk.
What is the texture of this tomato bisque?
The texture is creamy, rich, and velvety thanks to the roux and the addition of dairy.
How much onion is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
What are the primary seasonings for this soup?
The primary seasonings are salt and pepper, used at 1 teaspoon each or adjusted to taste.
Is the dill used in this recipe fresh or dried?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of whole dill seed and 1 teaspoon of dried dill weed.
What type of flour should I use?
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour is recommended for creating the thickening roux.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total.
Can I make this soup in under an hour?
Yes, with preparation and simmering times, it is categorized as a quick meal.
What should the heat setting be for the initial sauté?
The olive oil should be heated over medium heat until it is shimmering.
Is the parsley fresh or dried?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of fresh, chopped parsley.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
No, the recipe uses canned crushed and chopped tomatoes for convenience.
How long is the final simmer time?
The bisque should simmer for a final 10 minutes after the honey and parsley are added to develop a rich flavor.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
As written, it is not gluten-free because it contains all-purpose flour.
Can I use regular olive oil?
While extra virgin olive oil is specified for its flavor, regular olive oil can be used as a substitute.
Is this soup spicy?
No, it is a savory and slightly sweet soup; it does not contain spicy peppers or high amounts of heat-inducing spices.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a soup, specifically a tomato-based bisque.