Homestead Tomato Bisque
This has got to be my favorite meal of all time. Whether I make it in summer or the dead of winter, people always love it! This is one of those recipes where the quality of ingredients can really make the dish shine. If you can, I recommend using homemade chicken stock, homegrown or farm grown tomatoes, grass-fed butter and rich cream, however, even if those things are unavailable to you, this will still be an amazing dish! I know it is so simple, but this bisque always looks fancy, especially when you take a few extra moments to garnish it with grated fresh parmesan and basil! More often than not, this is the recipe I fall back on when I know we will be having company and I won’t have a lot of time in the kitchen. I have even made this soup the day before, let it cool, put it in the fridge, then simply reheat it the next day or put it in the slow cooker on low.
As a side, I love to set up a gourmet grilled cheese assembly line, so each person can prepare their sandwich however they like it. Our sandwich makings usually include sourdough or sprouted breads, various cheeses, bacon, sliced meats of choice, fresh basil, sliced onion, sliced tart apple, sliced tomato, and garlic and herb mayonnaise. We have a lot of fun with it, and we feel like we are having lunch at a little French bistro! Once, I even put a pretty white tablecloth on the table for an elegant dinner. Yes, I am still trying to get the red stains out, but the memories were so worth it!
So, light the taper candles, cue the music, put the white table linens on, and gather the family around! Life calls for a celebration!
~ Caitlin
Homestead Tomato Bisque
Serves 8-10
Time: 30 minutes
Recipe by The Humble Farmgirl
1/2 cup butter
1 large onion
2 tsp. mineral salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 generous teaspoon garlic powder or 8-10 minced garlic cloves
1/4 cup dried basil (I know this is a lot, but it adds so much flavor!)
6 Tbs. flour of choice (I use THM Baking Blend)
1 Tbs. THM Gentle Sweet or 2 Tbs. cane sugar.
1 qt. chicken stock (homemade is best)
2 qt. (8 cups) diced tomatoes or 4 (14.5 oz) cans from the store
1 1/2 cups cream
fresh basil and grated parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large Dutch oven on medium heat, melt butter and sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic, salt, pepper, basil, sweetener, and flour. sauté for 1 more minute. Add stock and tomatoes. stir to combine.
Using and immersion blender, blend bisque to desired consistency. I normally go pretty smooth, leaving just a little bit of texture. You will figure out what texture you and your family prefer! Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add cream, then bring bisque to desired serving temperature. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. Garnish with basil and parmesan. Bon Appetit!