Healthy Tomato Basil Bisque
Tomato Bisque with big flavor and very little guilt! My Healthy Tomato Basil Bisque recipe has a secret ingredient that might surprise you.
What could possibly be more comforting than a cup of creamy tomato soup on a cold rainy day?
I’ve loved tomato bisque since childhood. It’s like an edible security blanket, that warms your insides and soothes your soul.
Yet now that I’m a little more cautious about what I eat, I’ve had to revamp my Tomato Bisque Recipe. Obviously the heavy cream was the issue. Most bisque recipes have 1-2 cups of cream to provide that ultra silky texture.
My secret weapon for omitting, or at least decreasing, heavy cream in creamy soups is… White beans.
That’s right.
I add white beans to the Healthy Tomato Basil Bisque while it’s simmering to absorb flavor, then puree the soup once cooked. The starch in the beans creates a wonderfully creamy texture without all the added fat. (I used this trick here as well.)
Now to be fully honest, the soup isn’t quite as smooth as a soup with loads of cream, and it doesn’t have the same sheen. But it’s pretty darn close, considering all the calories and saturated fat you omit.
For this Healthy Tomato Basil Bisque, the white beans did a superb job of creating the right thickness, then I added just a touch of heavy cream at the end to give it that extra touch of indulgence. (You could leave it out, if you prefer.)
That way, you can enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy tomato bisque without any hesitation.
You can even enjoy two bowls!
Healthy Tomato Basil Bisque
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 28 ounces diced or crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
- 32 ounces chicken stock, or vegetable stock
- 15 ounces cannellini beans, drained (1 can)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Place the butter, onions and garlic in a large sauce pot over medium-low heat. Saute for 5-8 minutes to soften. Stir occasionally.
- Then add the tomatoes, tomato paste, basil leaves, chicken stock, beans, and crushed red pepper. Turn the heat up to medium-high and simmer for 20 minutes, stir occasionally.
- Turn off the heat. Using an immersion blender, puree the the soup until completely smooth. Taste and salt and pepper as needed.
- Then add the cream and stir to combine. Serve as is, or pour through a sieve for an even finer creamy texture.
Love the lighter twist of beans in here!
This is just gorgeous. And who doesn’t love a good tomato bisque – without all the extra guilt?! Fantastic for those resolutions that are usually so hard to keep!
I’ve never had a tomato soup that I’ve enjoyed. However, being both a glutton (for punishment) and a lover of tomatoes, I keep trying. I made this dish tonight, following your recipe to the letter. D E L I C I O U S. Thank you, very very much!
Gorgeous soup. I love that you lightened it up a bit.
Your tomato bisque sounds awesome – I love the addition of beans! I’ve been craving tomato bisque like crazy lately, and have been enjoying every last delicious spoonful!
I love a good bisque!
I’ve tried many tomato soup recipes over the years… But none with beans! What a great idea. I’ll be trying this one next. Thanks!
The beans really step up the heartiness of this soup, very nice.
Smart substitution and a nice addition of fiber too!
It is so smart to add beans! I absolutely love it!
What a beautiful soup! I love your idea of adding white beans in place of cream.
This looks gorgeous and I’m sure it tastes delicious. We love tomato bisque around here, can’t wait to try your version!
I love tomato bisque soup! What a wonderful idea to add white beans in–I never would have thought of that. I am always looking for ways to add a healthier twist to my meals/soups-thanks!
I have been using the white bean trick too! It’s amazing! This soup sounds fantastic.
Yum! I love tomato soup and I love that you added beans to it!! Fabulous recipe!!
It’s a soup day for everyone today! LOL I love tomato soup and bisque!
Pinning! Love the beans in this!!
love the idea of adding in white beans v cream!!