September 8, 2010
Soup #10: Tomato basil bisque
The boyfriend is finally home! He's been off on an assignment for the last month, so my culinary adventures have pretty much been fancy sandwiches or trying new sushi restaurants. Unfortunately, when Eli came home he also brought a sore throat with him, so we've both been under the weather these last few days. Yesterday morning while laying in bed, all I wanted was my comfort food: chicken noodle soup or tomato bisque and a grilled cheese sandwich. The idea of a nice warm bowl of sweet tomatoes and basil won. I had this soup at Cristina's in Sun Valley on one of my visits to a cousin who lived there (if you ever get the chance to eat there, I'd highly recommend it) and fell in love. I had to track it down! It was just as delicious made here as it was at the restaurant. Just remember, if you don't have good homegrown tomatoes, use really good quality canned ones!!
Soup-tastic Adventures: Soup #10: Tomato Bisque
Adapted from Cristina's of Sun Valley
Ingredients
- 3 T olive oil
1 yellow onion
1 T finely chopped garlic
2 T fresh basil chiffonade
1 c white wine
7 c GOOD QUALITY canned Italian tomatoes (I always use Simpson imports San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes, in which case I'd use 2 cans), or 7 c. fresh, ripe Italian tomatoes, diced & with their juices
heaping 1/2 t red pepper flakes
salt & pepper to taste
3/4 c cream
3/4 c milk
fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions
Saute onion, garlic, and basil chiffonade in olive oil until onions are tender and light gold incolor. Add wine and let cook down at medium heat, almost 10 minutes. 
Add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and salt & pepper. Simmer for about 12 minutes (or longer if you have the time!) stirring occassionally. Then pulse mixture briefly in a food processor to obtain a creamy consistency.
Return to pot, whisk in cream & milk, and bring to a gentle simmer. Drizzle each bowl of soup with olive oil & garnish with a fresh basil leaf. Serve with crostini, garlic bread, or my personal favorite, a grilled cheese sandwich.
Information
- Category
- Soups/Stews, Bisque
- Cuisine
- Italian