Fire Roasted Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe

Tomato bisque is one of those classic comfort foods that not only warms you up on a chilly day but also feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. Its rich, velvety texture and deep flavors make it an ultimate favorite among soup lovers. But what happens when you take it to the next level? You fire-roast the tomatoes! This method intensifies the flavors, giving the bisque a smoky depth and a charred undertone that transforms the soup into something extraordinary. In this guide, we’re diving into a delicious fire-roasted tomato bisque recipe that will make your taste buds sing.

Fire-roasted tomatoes bring an incredible layer of complexity that cannot be replicated by standard tomato varieties. With a bit of patience, you can achieve a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors that elevate your bisque into an unforgettable dish. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, treat yourself, or whip up a hearty meal, this fire-roasted tomato bisque will be your go-to recipe.

Fire Roasted Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe

A comforting bowl of tomato bisque is always a good idea, but when the tomatoes are fire-roasted, the flavor reaches new heights. This recipe is rich, creamy, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients Needed

• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – 4 cups (fresh or canned)

  • The star of the show! Fire-roasting brings out a deep smoky flavor, giving the bisque a hearty richness.

• Olive Oil – 2 tbsp

  • For sautéing and adding richness. Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

• Yellow Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped

  • Adds sweetness and depth to the bisque. Be sure to sauté until translucent to get the full flavor profile.

• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced

  • Garlic brings a sharp, aromatic kick that complements the tomatoes perfectly.

• Carrot – 1 medium, peeled and diced

  • Provides a touch of natural sweetness and a slight earthiness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

• Celery – 2 stalks, chopped

  • Adds a crisp, fresh note to the soup, creating a nice contrast to the other softer ingredients.

• Vegetable or Chicken Broth – 4 cups

  • The base of your soup, and it’s important to choose a broth with a good balance of flavor.

• Heavy Cream – 1 cup

  • Cream gives the bisque its velvety texture and richness. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter version.

• Sugar – 1 tsp (optional)

  • Sometimes a pinch of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, especially when they’re fire-roasted.

• Salt and Pepper – To taste

  • Season the soup to your liking, adjusting the salt and pepper after tasting.

• Fresh Basil – A few leaves for garnish

  • Fresh basil provides a burst of color and a fragrant, herbal note that brings everything together.

Cooking Instructions

1. Roast The Tomatoes

   • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you’re using fresh tomatoes, slice them in half and place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
   • If you’re using canned fire-roasted tomatoes, skip this step and move on to sautéing the vegetables.
   • Roast for 20-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are nicely charred and their skins start to peel away. Let them cool slightly, then peel off the skins (they should come off easily).

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and translucent.
   • Add the garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their aroma.

3. Blend The Soup

   • Add the roasted tomatoes (or canned fire-roasted tomatoes) to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
   • Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
   • Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and purée until smooth and creamy.

4. Finish The Bisque

   • Once the soup is blended, return it to the pot (if necessary) and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, adjusting seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar as needed.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or grilled cheese on the side.

Ingredient Insights

• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes

  • Fire-roasting tomatoes gives them a smoky, deep flavor that can’t be replicated with traditional cooking methods. This added complexity balances the natural acidity of tomatoes, giving your bisque a robust profile.

• Heavy Cream

  • The cream creates that luxurious, velvety texture that you expect from a bisque. It also helps to mellow the strong flavors and provide a bit of sweetness to the soup.

• Vegetable Or Chicken Broth

  • The broth serves as the liquid base for the bisque, adding depth to the overall flavor. Chicken broth tends to be a bit more robust, while vegetable broth will keep the dish vegetarian.

• Fresh Basil

  • Fresh basil, when added at the end, provides a bright and aromatic herbal note that lightens the richness of the bisque. It’s also a lovely garnish, adding color and freshness.

Expert Tips

• Tomato Roasting Tip

  • If you want to take the roasting even further, you can char the tomatoes on a grill or directly over an open flame for an even smokier flavor. Be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning them too much.

• Adjusting Consistency

  • If your bisque is too thick, you can thin it with more broth or water. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer to reduce it to the right consistency. Adjusting cream also helps with texture.

• Smoothness Factor

  • If you prefer a super smooth bisque, consider straining the soup after blending to remove any leftover solids or skins. This step isn’t necessary for all, but it’s a good option for an ultra-creamy finish.

• Make It Ahead

  • This bisque actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make it a day in advance, and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Fire-Roasted Tomato Bisque

  • Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the onions and garlic for a bit of heat. The smoky flavor from the roasted tomatoes pairs beautifully with a little spice.

• Vegan Option

  • Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegetable broth to keep the soup fully vegan. It will still be rich, creamy, and delicious.

• Cheese Lover’s Bisque

  • Add a generous handful of shredded cheese-like mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan-into the bisque once it’s blended. Stir until melted for an added layer of indulgence.

• Roasted Garlic Tomato Bisque

  • Roast a whole bulb of garlic alongside the tomatoes and add the roasted garlic to the soup. The caramelized garlic flavor adds a beautiful sweetness and depth.

Final Words

Fire-roasted tomato bisque is more than just a soup-it’s an experience. The combination of sweet, smoky tomatoes, creamy texture, and delicate seasoning brings so much comfort and warmth with every spoonful. Whether served as a meal on its own or as a starter for a larger feast, this bisque is sure to impress. Plus, it’s versatile, so you can customize it to fit your taste perfectly.