Friday, February 1, 2013

Creamy Tomato Bisque



Did you know that January is soup month? It makes sense. Here in Minnesota we've had the coldest weather in four years. A nice hot bowl of soup makes the best meal when your tootsies are cold, no? Now it's February and it's still cold..brrrr...I think it's time for another bowl.

One of my favorite soups is tomato, but it wasn't always that way. My mother made tomato soup quite often when I was growing up. It was the real deal, too...no cans involved. Plus, she made sure there were little meatballs floating on top. I preferred a hamburger. Silly, silly me...how I wish I could have a bowl of that perfect soup now. 

While I can't have a bowl of my mother's soup, I can and do make my own...even in mid-Winter when the temps are below zero and the tomatoes in the grocery store hard and sour. The secret is in the canned tomato....


Recently, I received a package of Tuttorosso Tomatoes to try. This was a real treat for me, since we can't get Tuttorosso Tomatoes in Minnesota. Luckily, we do have Red Gold Tomatoes and they make the Tuttorosso brand, so I knew they would be good....and they were! They also made an excellent addition to my recipe for Creamy Tomato Bisque. A little later, I will tell you how you might be able to get your own pack of Tuttorosso Tomatoes to try. First, Let me share my recipe....

Creamy Tomato Bisque

1/2 cup butter
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup flour
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
2 (28 oz) cans whole tomatoes, chopped with juice*
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons basil
1 teaspoon tarragon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon thyme
2 bay leaves
2 cups light cream
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Salt to taste

*I subbed the Tuttorosso Peeled Plum Shaped Tomatoes and the Tuttorosso Crushed Tomatoes with Basil


Melt butter in large pot over medium/high heat. Add onions, carrots and green pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened. Add the flour and continue to sauté for another minute, stirring constantly. Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, sugar, basil, tarragon, cayenne pepper, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Remove the bay leaves and, working in batches, puree the soup in a blender until almost smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot, add the cream, paprika, curry powder and white pepper; heat the soup until it is hot, but not boiling. Salt to taste.


I topped this bowl with crispy bacon.....


.....but you could put some Grilled Cheese Sliders on top.

This weekend will mark a whole year since I was able to visit Red Gold Tomatoes, so it's fitting that I re-share this recipe with you now. I continue to be impressed with the quality of this product....really--put these tomatoes next to one of the other well-known brands and you will actually see the difference!


Tuttorosso has a recipe contest going on right now (through February 8th). Enter an original Italian recipe that uses Tuttorosso tomatoes to win some cool prizes. The first 4000 to enter will receive a free apron! For more information, read the rules on their Facebook page.

Would you like to give these awesome tomatoes a try? Simply leave a comment telling me all about your favorite tomato recipe. You can "like" The Dutch Baker's Daughter on Facebook and "like" Tuttorosso Tomatoes on Facebook for additional entries. Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget...it's easy...really!!

We will make this giveaway short and sweet....let's start on Friday, February 1, 2013 and end at 12:00 AM on Monday, February 4. I will use Rafflecopter to randomly choose the winner on Monday.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Red Gold Tomatoes provided me with a sample and the giveaway. All opinions remain my own. You must be 18 years of age and reside in the USA to enter.

22 comments:

  1. My favorite recipe using tomatoes would be a homemade pasta sauce. Pasta sauce can be used in so many different recipes.
    cjbrick@ymail.com

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  2. I "like" The Dutch Baker's Daughter on Facebook.

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  3. I "like" Tuttorosso Tomatoes on Facebook.

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  4. My favorite recipe using tomatoes is homemade salsa and marinara sauce!
    keshakeke(at)gmail(dot)com

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  5. I like you on Facebook
    keshakeke(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. I like Tuttorosso on Facebook
    keshakeke(at)gmail(dot)com

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  7. My favorite recipe is a quicker version of your tomato basil soup.

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    1. Thanks, Liz! Btw, if you want to be entered in the contest, please use the Rafflecopter widget up above...that way (1) you'll get counted and (2) you can privately leave me your contact information. :)

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  8. My favorite tomato-based recipe is chili. I always make a big batch, and I've found that Tuttorosso crushed tomatoes are the perfect consistency and flavor for my chili.
    -Anne (posting anonymously because I don't have an account with any of the choices listed)

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  9. I actually made some tomato soup tonight--I love the stuff.

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  10. I'm thinking of using my Tuttorossa to make a copycat version of La Madeleine's tomato-basil soup. Don't enter me in the giveaway, but wanted to say hi. Hi! I can't believe it's been a year since our trip to Indy. Wish we could do it again!

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    Replies
    1. Oh--yes! I would love to do it again! The best part was meeting everyone. :) I can't wait to hear all about your New York adventure!

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  11. I like to make Salsa with tomatoes - fresh in summer, canned in winter. I also put tomatoes in guacamole.

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  12. love in goulash
    thanks
    aunteegem@yahoho.com

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  13. My favorite is Greek Shrimp with Feta Cheese and tomatoes. Served over basmati rice.

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  14. we make our own tomato sauce and lvoe using tuttorosso

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  15. I love a good tomato bisque and this definitely sounds like a winner! Thanks for sharing :)

    Sincerely,
    Happy Valley Chow

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  16. Tomato bisque for sure, but I also love a good marinara sauce!

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  17. I make a great vegetarian chili - in fact I'm making it tomorrow.

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  18. I just did a tomato post too! I was feeling a little sad this past weekend thinking about all my wonderful Red Gold weekend friends. Love the soup!

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