Grilled Yellow Tomato Bisque with Fresh Mint
Bright, silky yellow tomato soup with charred depth from grilling or roasting. Sweet yellow tomatoes create a naturally golden bisque balanced with chicken broth, cream, and fresh herbs. Perfect for summer entertaining when tomatoes peak. This version skips traditional straining for rustic texture while maintaining elegant creaminess. Serve warm with crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 8 large yellow tomatoes, ripe, whole
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh mint or basil, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Grill tomatoes until skins crack and flesh softens, or roast on oiled sheet. Cool until handleable, then core and coarsely chop.
- 2
Heat olive oil in large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft.
- 3
Stir in chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, and sugar. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until reduced by one quarter.
- 4
Cool soup for 10 minutes, then puree with immersion blender until smooth.
- 5
Stir in heavy cream off heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6
Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped mint or basil. Serve with crusty buttered bread.
Tips
Grilling adds smoky complexity; roasting works equally well for convenience. Either method caramelizes sugars without scorching.
Skip straining for rustic texture with seeds; strain through fine mesh if you prefer silky restaurant-style consistency.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days. Freezes up to 3 months; cream may separate slightly upon thaw, so whisk or blend gently.
Prepare soup through blending step up to 2 days ahead. Stir in cream just before serving for best texture.
Ladle into warmed bowls. Garnish generously with herb. Pair with crusty buttered bread or grilled cheese sandwich.
Common Mistakes
Over-cook onions before adding tomatoes to avoid bitter, caramelized flavor that darkens bisque.
Add cream while soup is hot to avoid curdling; turn heat off first.
Skip blending entirely to avoid over-smoothing; pulse gently for rustic texture.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use red or orange tomatoes instead of yellow?
Yes. Red tomatoes will produce deeper pink bisque with more acidity; orange tomatoes yield peachy tone. All work; adjust sugar if needed since red tomatoes are more acidic.
What if I don't have an immersion blender?
Carefully transfer cooled soup in batches to counter blender, puree until smooth, then return to pot. Work in small batches to avoid overflow.
How long can I keep leftover bisque?
Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight container. Freezes up to 3 months, though cream may separate slightly; whisk or blend gently after thawing.