Creamy Tomato Bisque: The Ultimate Comfort Soup Recipe
Introduction to Creamy Tomato Bisque
Creamy Tomato Bisque is not just a soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! This delightful dish combines the rich flavors of tomatoes with a velvety texture, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply want to enjoy a cozy night in, this bisque is sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, when paired with cheddar bay dumplings, it becomes an irresistible meal that warms the heart and soul!
A Personal Story Behind My Creamy Tomato Bisque Journey
Growing up, my grandmother always had a pot of her famous tomato soup simmering on the stove. It was the meal that brought our family together, and every spoonful was filled with love. As I grew older, I wanted to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. After many attempts, I finally developed this Creamy Tomato Bisque recipe, inspired by my grandmother’s love for cooking. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of those cherished moments shared around the dinner table.
What Makes This Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because of its creamy texture and the addition of cheddar bay dumplings that add a delightful twist. The bisque is rich and flavorful, thanks to the blend of fresh tomatoes, onions, and spices. The dumplings are soft, cheesy, and perfectly complement the soup’s richness. Together, they create a dish that’s not only delicious but also comforting, making it an ideal meal for family gatherings or a quiet evening at home.
The Full Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 3 tbsp flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor base for your bisque.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- In a separate bowl, mix the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Slowly stir this mixture into the pot until smooth. Add sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover the pot, allowing flavors to meld for about 15 minutes.
- While the soup simmers, prepare the dumpling dough. In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, 1 tbsp sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. This mixture will create fluffy dumplings.
- In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and melted butter. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. This will give your bisque that creamy texture. Return to a simmer.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup, making sure to leave space between them. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick in the center of the largest dumpling; it should come out clean.
- In a small pot, melt 2 tbsp of butter and mix in parsley and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the dumplings in the pot for added flavor.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has dumplings. Serve with the extra butter herb mixture for dipping, if desired. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Creamy Tomato Bisque
This Creamy Tomato Bisque pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a twist, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving. If you’re looking for a bit more heat, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper in the dumpling dough. This recipe is versatile; you can even add vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition!
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Tomato Bisque
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can substitute butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace the buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens.
Can I freeze the bisque?
Yes, you can freeze the bisque without the dumplings. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. The dumplings can be made fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the soup again.
Creamy Tomato Bisque with Cheddar Bay Dumplings
Equipment
- Soup Pot For simmering the soup.
- Small Bowl For mixing dumpling ingredients.
- Immersion blender For pureeing the soup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 white onion chopped
- 3 tbsp flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor base for your bisque.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- In a separate bowl, mix the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Slowly stir this mixture into the pot until smooth. Add sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover the pot, allowing flavors to meld for about 15 minutes.
- While the soup simmers, prepare the dumpling dough. In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, 1 tbsp sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. This mixture will create fluffy dumplings.
- In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and melted butter. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. This will give your bisque that creamy texture. Return to a simmer.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup, making sure to leave space between them. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick in the center of the largest dumpling; it should come out clean.
- In a small pot, melt 2 tbsp of butter and mix in parsley and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the dumplings in the pot for added flavor.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has dumplings. Serve with the extra butter herb mixture for dipping, if desired. Enjoy your comforting meal!