Mamu's Hearty Tomato Basil Bisque
This rich and comforting tomato basil bisque is a family favorite, crafted from multiple iterations to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Featuring the esteemed Muir Glen tomatoes, known for their exceptional richness and thickness, this bisque boasts a chunky consistency that is both savory and satisfying. The combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and creamy components creates a delightful experience for the palate, making it an ideal dish for gatherings, cozy dinners, or a warm pick-me-up on chilly days. Serve with crusty bread for a wholesome meal that your loved ones will cherish.
N/A
Servings
102
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
Celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
Onion
3/4 cup (chopped)
Carrot
1/2 cup (chopped)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin)
Muir Glen Diced Tomatoes
28 ounces (canned)
V-8 Vegetable Juice
24 ounces (bottled)
Muir Glen Tomato Paste
6 ounces (canned)
Muir Glen Crushed Tomatoes
28 ounces (canned)
Muir Glen Whole Tomatoes
16 ounces (canned)
Chicken Broth
16 ounces (low sodium)
Kosher Salt
to taste (seasoning)
Crushed Red Pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Bay Leaf
1 (whole)
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor balance)
Fresh Basil
2-3 tablespoons (snipped)
Half-and-Half Cream
1 pint (or fat-free half-and-half)
Heavy Cream
2-3 ounces (optional)
Cream Cheese
4 ounces (softened)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, onion, and carrot, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
3
Add the Muir Glen diced tomatoes, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, whole tomatoes, and V-8 vegetable juice to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and mix well.
4
Season the mixture with kosher salt, crushed pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir in the baking soda and fresh basil, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
5
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for 3 to 6 hours to deepen the flavors. If the bisque becomes too thick, add more chicken broth or tomatoes as needed.
6
About 5-10 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaf and stir in the half-and-half and cream cheese until melted and smooth. If desired, drizzle in heavy cream for added richness.
7
Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil before serving. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
4.2g
Fat
12.9g
Carbs
3g
Protein
1.2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mamu's Hearty Tomato Basil Bisque?
It is a rich and comforting tomato basil bisque crafted to achieve a perfect balance of flavors with a chunky, savory consistency.
Which brand of tomatoes is recommended for this recipe?
Muir Glen tomatoes are recommended for their exceptional richness and thickness.
How long should the bisque simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 3 to 6 hours to allow the flavors to deepen significantly.
What vegetables are used in the base of the soup?
The base includes chopped celery, onion, and carrots.
Why is baking soda added to the bisque?
Baking soda is used to balance the flavors by neutralizing the acidity of the tomatoes.
What types of tomatoes are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses diced tomatoes, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and whole tomatoes.
Is there a specific juice used in this bisque?
Yes, the recipe calls for 24 ounces of V-8 vegetable juice.
What makes this bisque creamy?
The creaminess comes from half-and-half, softened cream cheese, and an optional drizzle of heavy cream.
Can I use fat-free half-and-half?
Yes, fat-free half-and-half is listed as a suitable alternative to regular half-and-half cream.
How much fresh basil is required?
The recipe requires 2-3 tablespoons of snipped fresh basil.
What should I do if the bisque becomes too thick during simmering?
You can add more chicken broth or tomatoes as needed to reach your desired consistency.
When should the cream cheese be added?
Stir in the cream cheese about 5-10 minutes before serving until it is melted and smooth.
Do I need to remove the bay leaf?
Yes, the bay leaf should be removed 5-10 minutes before serving, before adding the dairy components.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 102 calories per serving of this bisque.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 4.2g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 12.9g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving provides 3g of protein.
Is there any fiber in the bisque?
Yes, there is 1.2g of fiber per serving.
What is the best way to serve this bisque?
Ladle it into bowls, garnish with extra fresh basil, and serve with a side of crusty bread.
Does the recipe use butter or oil?
Both; it uses 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What kind of chicken broth should I use?
The recipe suggests using low-sodium chicken broth.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of minced garlic.
Is this soup spicy?
It includes crushed red pepper to taste, which provides a customizable level of warmth.
What kind of salt is recommended?
Kosher salt is recommended for seasoning to taste.
How are the carrots prepared?
The carrots should be chopped; 1/2 cup is required.
What size can of tomato paste is used?
A 6-ounce can of Muir Glen tomato paste is used.
Is heavy cream mandatory for this recipe?
No, the heavy cream is optional and can be added for extra richness if desired.
How long do you saute the vegetable base?
Saute the celery, onion, and carrot for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
Can this soup be served at gatherings?
Yes, its rich flavor and comforting nature make it an ideal dish for gatherings or cozy dinners.
What makes this bisque different from a smooth tomato soup?
It features a chunky consistency due to the variety of tomatoes used, including diced and whole tomatoes.