Classic Tomato Bisque with San Marzano Tomatoes and Fresh Basil
A velvety smooth tomato bisque made with San Marzano tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and jasmine rice for natural thickening. The addition of heavy cream creates a luxurious texture while fresh basil and a hint of cayenne provide bright, warming flavors. Perfect as an elegant starter for dinner parties or paired with grilled cheese for a comforting meal. The rice eliminates the need for flour-based thickeners, creating a naturally gluten-free base that's rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup onion, diced
- ½ cup celery, diced
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 32 ounce chicken broth
- 28 ounce crushed San Marzano tomatoes, canned
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch black pepper, freshly ground(optional)
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper(optional)
- 3 tablespoons jasmine rice, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon white sugar(optional)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- salt(optional)
- black pepper, freshly ground(optional)
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, divided for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, divided
Instructions
- 1
Gather all ingredients
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook onion and celery with salt until onion is translucent
- 3
Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant
- 4
Pour chicken broth and tomatoes into onion mixture and bring to a simmer
- 5
Season with paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper
- 6
Turn heat to low and stir rice into soup
- 7
Skim foam occasionally and simmer until rice and vegetables are very tender
- 8
Add sugar
- 9
Blend soup with an immersion blender until smooth
- 10
Whisk cream into soup and season with salt, pepper, cayenne, and sugar if needed
- 11
Adjust consistency with more broth if too thick or cook to reduce if too thin
- 12
Ladle into warmed bowls and garnish with cream drizzle and fresh basil
Tips
Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easy cleanup and better control over texture consistency.
San Marzano tomatoes provide superior flavor, but regular crushed tomatoes work as a substitute if needed.
Adjust thickness by adding more broth for thinner consistency or simmering longer to reduce for thicker bisque.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight container. Reheat gently, whisking to restore smooth texture.
Can be made 2 days ahead without final cream addition. Add cream when reheating to serve.
Serve hot in warmed bowls with cream drizzle and fresh basil garnish.
Common Mistakes
Don't boil after adding cream to avoid curdling
Skim foam during simmering to avoid bitter flavors
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I freeze this tomato bisque?
Yes, freeze without cream for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, reheat gently, then stir in fresh cream before serving.
What if I don't have an immersion blender?
Transfer cooled soup in batches to a regular blender, leaving room for expansion. Blend until smooth and return to pot.
How long does leftover bisque keep?
Refrigerated bisque stays fresh for 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking to restore creamy texture.