The Best Roasted Tomato Bisque Recipe

Rich Creamy & Comforting! Tomato Bisque is perfect with in-season tomato or your favourite can of good quality tomato during long cold winter months. 

Tomato bisque is a timeless classic, combining the rich, tangy flavour of ripe tomatoes with the creamy, velvety texture that makes each spoonful a comforting delight. This dish is perfect for showcasing the deep, natural sweetness of tomatoes, especially when they’re at their peak. Whether served as a starter or a main course, tomato bisque is a warm, satisfying option that brings together the best of summer’s bounty and the cozy, comforting vibes of a homemade soup. Ideal for any time of year but especially inviting as the weather starts to cool, this bisque is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of fresh ingredients.

We love the addition of bacon to add a smokiness to the background of this delicious bowl of soup. 

Tomato bisque pairs beautifully with a variety of classic accompaniments that enhance its rich, creamy flavour. Here are some classic combinations to serve with tomato bisque:

  1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
    The ultimate pairing, a grilled cheese sandwich with melty, gooey cheese and crispy, buttery bread complements the smoothness of the bisque perfectly.

  2. Crusty Bread:
    A slice of warm, crusty baguette or artisan bread is perfect for dipping into the bisque, soaking up every bit of its deliciousness.

  3. Garlic Bread:
    The rich, buttery, and slightly garlicky flavors of garlic bread add a savoury contrast to the bisque, making each bite more indulgent.

  4. Caesar Salad:
    A crisp Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and croutons provides a refreshing, crunchy counterpoint to the creamy bisque.

  5. Herbed Croutons:
    Adding herbed croutons on top of the bisque brings a crunchy texture and a burst of flavour, enhancing each spoonful.

  6. Cheese Quesadilla:
    A simple cheese quesadilla offers a cheesy, crispy bite that pairs well with the smooth texture of the bisque.

  7. Caprese Salad:
    A Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, basil, and ripe tomatoes echoes the flavours of the bisque while adding a cool, fresh element to the meal.

  8. Avocado Toast:
    Creamy avocado toast topped with a sprinkle of sea salt and red pepper flakes makes for a tasty and healthy side to the bisque.

  9. Parmesan Crisps:
    Crispy Parmesan crisps add a salty, cheesy bite that enhances the bisque’s flavour without overpowering it.

  10. Simple Side Salad:
    A light, simple salad with mixed greens, vinaigrette, and seasonal veggies adds freshness and balance to the richness of the bisque.

These classic combinations provide a variety of textures and flavours that complement the smooth, rich nature of tomato bisque, making for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

INGREDIENTS

1 large can whole tomatoes or about 2 lbs plum tomatoes

2 tbsp. butter
3 strips of bacon, diced
1/2 cooking onion, finely diced
½ carrot, finely diced
1 rib celery rib, finely  diced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
splash of brandy (or white wine)

 Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 ½  cups Stock, or Water, as needed
1/2 cup 35% cream

 DIRECTIONS

  1.  If using fresh tomatoes begin here (if using canned begin at step 5): heat oven to 425 degrees F
  2. Core and halve tomatoes (if using fresh)
  3. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper
  4. Roast on a baking sheet for 25 minutes or until skins are slightly blackened; cool and slip off skins
  5. Meanwhile, heat a soup pot over medium heat. Add butter & fry bacon until browned but not too crispy. 
  6. Add onion and sweat for a couple of minutes until soft, but not browned. Follow with celery and carrot, cooking until soft.
  7. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds
  8. Add tomatoes (canned or roasted). Allow to cook until reduced and thickened. 
  9. Add herbs and spices, followed by wine or brandy. Boil for a few minutes. 
  10. Add water, as needed; simmer for 15 minutes
  11. Stir occasionally, breaking up tomatoes
  12. Finish by stirring in 35% cream and salt and pepper to taste

 

 

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Shakshuka!

One taste for shakshuka and you'll be coming back for more!  This is our go-to fridge breakfast, lunch or dinner, our hangover cure, our meal on a dime!   For us the perfect ratio is 3 eggs.   We've garnished with cilantro too, or nothing at all.  MAKE AHEAD: Sauce can be made in full. Re-warm in frying pan and continue by adding in eggs, making it a fantastic brunch option.   

4 tbsp. (or as needed) olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 red pepper, thinly sliced
1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp. Paprika
1 tsp. Cumin
1⁄4 tsp. crushed red chilli flakes
1 cup canned tomatoes and their juices
4-6 large eggs
5-6 sprigs flat-leaf parsley
5-6 sprigs fresh dill
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, as needed
Bread, for serving

  1. Thinly slice onion
  2. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat.
  3. Add olive oil, followed by onions. Season with salt, stir and allow to caramelise over medium-low heat, about 10 minutes or longer.
  4. Slice peppers, garlic & herbs.
  5. Add in peppers once onions have gained some colour and continue to cook a further 5 minutes, until softened.
  6. Add in garlic and spices and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Add in canned tomatoes and simmer until concentrated, 1-2 minutes.  
  8. Reduce heat to medium low, and, using a spatula, create some space in the pan for the eggs, 4-6 wells.
  9. Add a little olive oil in each well, crack in your eggs and allow to cook until whites are opaque, about 5-6 minutes.  You may want to pop a lid on to get the whites cooked though, or use a spatula to 'scrape' any raw white into the sauce.  
  10. Using a spatula, serve up shakshuka on warm plates, garnished with chopped herb and served with warm bread.

If warm spices and one-pot meals are right up your alley, check out our full African Influence cooking class here!  One of the best bean dishes we've ever had, plus a unique take on beef stew.  Perfect for a chilly weeknight!  

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Eggplant & Tomato Braise with Feta Cheese

This was it, this was the dish that made me change my mind about eggplant!  Just a small amount of spice made a big impact!  For a complete meal serve it with some garlic bread.   We've made this recipe with both Mutti brand whole canned tomatoes and whole fresh tomatoes when in season! 

1 large eggplant
¼ cup sunflower oil
¼ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp ground cumin
2 cups water, divided
1 large can good quality canned tomatoes such as Mutti Brand or equivalent of chopped fresh tomatoes 
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, to taste
freshly chopped greens such as parsley and/or watercress and/or arugula, to garnish
feta cheese, to garnish

  • Trim and peel the eggplants, but leave some of the skin on.  Cut into spears by first slicing thick circles and then cutting into strips the size of your finger
  • Heat a wide heavy pot over medium heat.  When the pot is hot, add the oil and the spices and fry for just a few seconds before adding the eggplant.  Stir and toss for a couple of minutes, season with salt, and then add the first cup of water and the tomatoes. 
  • Bring to a full boil, and then add the second cup of water.  Maintain a boil over medium to medium-high heat for about 15 minutes, until sauce has reduced. 
  • Cover and cook over low heat for a further 20 minutes
  • Serve hot or room temperature, topped with feta cheese and fresh greens

 

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