A Tomato Bisque Recipe by Chef Aqua Lincoln
If you’ve been craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup, look no further! This Tomato Bisque, featured in our chef demo at the Fickett Farmers Market on October 9th, is the ultimate blend of fresh, ripe ingredients and creamy goodness. Chef Aqua Lincoln’s recipe is simple to make but packed with flavor, perfect for a cozy meal at home. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish step by step.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 stalks of fresh celery, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 8-10 fresh, ripe red tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (your choice)
- ½ cup of rice (for added texture and heartiness)
- ½ cup of heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spices: Cayenne pepper and paprika (optional, for a kick)
- Cheese options: Fontina, mozzarella (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating a bit of canola oil in a large pot. Once the oil is hot, sauté your chopped onion and celery until they soften and become fragrant. Add the finely chopped garlic and continue to sauté until the garlic is lightly browned and aromatic. This foundation of flavor is key to a rich bisque!
2. Simmer the Broth:
Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook gently for about 25 minutes. This gives the vegetables time to release their full flavor into the broth.
3. Add Rice for Thickness:
After 25 minutes, stir in ½ cup of rice. The rice will add a subtle thickness to the bisque as it cooks. Let it simmer for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
4. Blend It Up:
Turn off the heat and grab your immersion blender (or carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender). Blend the soup until smooth, ensuring the rice and vegetables are fully pureed. This will give your bisque that velvety, creamy texture.
5. Add Creamy Goodness:
Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, and blend once more to incorporate it fully. The cream brings richness to the bisque, making it irresistibly smooth.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the bisque into bowls and top with your favorite cheese—Fontina or mozzarella work beautifully. You can even stir in an extra ½ cup of cheese into the bisque for extra creaminess. For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top.
This Tomato Bisque is perfect on its own or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your spice preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it as a hearty lunch or a soothing dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite!
Enjoy!
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