Fresh Tomato Bisque

Fresh Tomato Bisque is a creamy, flavorful soup made from ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and light cream, topped with buttery croutons — perfect as an elegant starter or light meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lb ripe tomatoes (about 6)
• 1 onion, sliced thin
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp chopped fresh basil
• 1 pint light cream
• 1 cup milk
• 6 large toasted butter croutons
• 2 tbsp chopped chives

Instructions

• Prepare tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes, peel the skin, and remove the seeds. Chop them roughly into medium-sized pieces.

• Sauté onions: Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and sauté until soft and translucent.

• Cook the tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Mix in bay leaf, brown sugar, cloves, salt, black pepper, and chopped basil. Stir well to combine.

• Simmer for flavor: Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 25 minutes, until the tomatoes are fully cooked and soft.

• Remove whole spices: Carefully remove the bay leaf and cloves from the mixture.

• Puree the bisque: Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Alternatively, strain through a coarse sieve to remove solids and achieve a velvety texture.

• Add cream and milk: Pour in the light cream and milk. Heat the bisque gently over low heat, stirring continuously until warmed through. Do not boil.

• Serve and garnish: Ladle the bisque into bowls. Top with toasted butter croutons and sprinkle with chopped chives for garnish. Serve immediately while hot.

Serving Suggestion:

Enjoy as a starter or light meal. Pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.