Tomato Horseradish Bisque is a creamy, zesty twist on the classic tomato soup, combining the rich, smooth texture of a bisque with the bold, peppery kick of horseradish. This soup is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat with their comfort food, offering the sweetness of ripe tomatoes balanced with the sharp, tangy flavor of horseradish. It’s a great choice for a cozy dinner or an elegant starter. Whether served with a grilled cheese sandwich or crusty bread, this soup is sure to please!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped)
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
  • 1-2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  2. Add the tomatoes and broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes) and vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to break down.
  3. Blend the soup: Once the tomatoes are tender and the soup has simmered, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender to puree it. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend only part of the soup.
  4. Add cream and horseradish: Return the soup to the heat and stir in the heavy cream and horseradish. Taste and adjust the horseradish to your liking—add more if you prefer a spicier kick. Stir in the sugar, if desired, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika.
  5. Simmer and finish: Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for another 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors. If you’d like a richer soup, stir in a tablespoon of butter at this point.
  6. Serve: Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the perfect pairing.

Nutrition (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Fat: 15 g
    • Saturated fat: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
    • Fiber: 3 g
    • Sugars: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Potassium: 450 mg

This Tomato Horseradish Bisque combines the rich, creamy texture of a bisque with the bold, tangy flavor of horseradish, creating a comforting yet exciting soup. It’s the perfect dish for when you’re craving something familiar but with a spicy twist!