By the Chefs and Culinary Experts of Fronteras Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
Tomato Basil Bisque is a creamy, rich, and flavorful soup that has earned a special place in many hearts, especially when it’s inspired by the delicious version from Nordstrom Café. With its velvety texture and comforting flavors of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, this bisque is perfect for a chilly evening or as a starter to a more elaborate meal. The dish, beloved for its simplicity and gourmet taste, has been a staple on Nordstrom Café menus, gaining a reputation for being both luxurious and homey.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to recreate the signature Nordstrom Café Tomato Basil Bisque in your own kitchen with the expertise and tips from the chefs at Fronteras Mexican Restaurant and Cantina. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28-ounce) cans of whole peeled tomatoes (San Marzano tomatoes recommended for their flavor)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the Basil Puree:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh basil leaves
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
- Combine Tomatoes:
- Add the two cans of whole peeled tomatoes (including their juice) into the pot.
- Crush the tomatoes with a wooden spoon or potato masher for a smoother texture.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
- Blend Until Smooth:
- Once the tomato mixture has simmered and thickened slightly, remove it from the heat.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. If using a blender, be cautious of the hot liquid and vent the lid slightly to avoid pressure buildup.
Step 4: Add Cream and Season
- Incorporate the Cream:
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, which gives the bisque its rich, silky texture.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper, a pinch of sugar (if needed to balance the acidity), and salt to taste.
- Return the soup to low heat and allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Basil Puree
- Blend the Basil and Oil:
- In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
- Blend until smooth to create a vibrant green basil puree.
- Season the puree with a small pinch of salt.
Step 6: Serve
- Assemble and Garnish:
- Ladle the hot bisque into bowls.
- Drizzle each serving with the prepared basil puree.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the bisque with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal. Grilled cheese sandwiches make a wonderful pairing with the soup’s creamy richness.
- Make it Vegan: Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative, and use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute in place of the regular cream. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Storing Leftovers: Tomato Basil Bisque stores beautifully. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the bisque for up to 3 months; simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
- Adjusting Thickness: If the soup is too thick for your liking, add more broth to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
- Roasted Tomatoes: For an extra layer of flavor, consider roasting fresh tomatoes in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding them to the soup. This caramelizes the natural sugars and enhances the sweetness.
Conclusion
Recreating the beloved Nordstrom Café Tomato Basil Bisque at home is easier than you might think, especially with this professional recipe crafted by the expert chefs of Fronteras Mexican Restaurant and Cantina. With its rich, comforting flavors and gourmet touch, this bisque is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re making it for a casual lunch or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress family and guests alike.
