Description
Ina Garten’s creamy tomato bisque brings rustic Italian comfort straight to your kitchen. Rich roasted tomatoes blend with cream and herbs, creating a silky soup that warms hearts and satisfies souls with its elegant simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Base:
- 3 tablespoons / 45g unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon good olive oil
- 1½ cups / 225g chopped yellow onion (1 large)
- ¾ cup / 120g chopped shallots (2 large)
- 1 cup / 150g chopped leek (white and light green parts, spun-dried)
- 3 (28-ounce / 800g) cans crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
Dairy and Cream:
- 4 cups / 950ml whole milk
- 2 cups / 475ml heavy cream
Seasonings and Garnish:
- ½ teaspoon saffron threads
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Italian Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Minced fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the base by gently melting unsalted butter (45 grams) with olive oil () in a spacious 11 to 12-inch pot or Dutch oven over medium-low temperature.
- Create a flavor foundation by introducing chopped yellow onions (225 grams or 1½ cups), diced shallots (120 grams or ¾ cup), and sliced leeks (150 grams). Allow vegetables to soften and become translucent, stirring periodically for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Enhance the soup’s depth by incorporating crushed tomatoes (3 cans of 800 grams or each), whole milk (950 milliliters), and rich heavy cream (475 milliliters). Infuse with aromatic saffron threads (½ teaspoon), red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon), kosher salt (), and freshly ground black pepper (1½ teaspoons).
- Elevate the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and allow the soup to simmer uncovered. Let the ingredients meld and thicken for 30 to 40 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.
- Finalize the seasoning by removing from heat and introducing additional kosher salt () and black pepper (½ teaspoon). Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Saffron transforms this bisque with its luxurious golden color and complex flavor profile, adding depth beyond ordinary seasoning.
- San Marzano tomatoes deliver exceptional sweetness and low acidity, elevating the entire soup’s taste experience.
- Slow-cooking vegetables over gentle heat develops rich caramelized undertones that create a more nuanced base.
- Frequent stirring during simmering prevents scorching and helps ingredients meld seamlessly together.
- Blending with an immersion blender creates silky smooth texture, turning rustic ingredients into elegant culinary art.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 454g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 990mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg