Tomato Bisque with Parmesan Croutons Recipe

1      Reviews by:    Kelly Overstreet   Tomato Bisque with Parmesan Croutons Recipe uses butter, olive oil, carrot, onion, celery, tomatoes and tomato juice, thyme, sugar, half and half in making this bisque recipe to be served with Parmesan cheese croutons. 4618

INGREDIENTS

• 3 teaspoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium carrot, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 stalk celery, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) peeled, whole, no salt added tomatoes
• 1 can (28 ounces) peeled and diced tomatoes
• 1 cup low sodium tomato juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup half and half
• 8 slices French baguette, cut 1/4-inch thick
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

DIRECTIONS

• In large saucepot, heat 2 teaspoons butter and oil over medium heat. Add carrot, onion and celery, and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add whole tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato juice, thyme, sugar and pepper. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat; reduce heat to a simmer. Partially cover and cook 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent sticking. Stir in half and half, and remove from heat.
• Meanwhile, preheat broiler. Place bread slices on rimmed baking pan. Divide and spread remaining 1 teaspoon butter over bread slices, and sprinkle each with cheese. Broil 3 to 5 minutes or until tops are lightly browned.
• In batches, transfer soup to blender and purée. Transfer puréed soup to large bowl before puréeing the next batch.
• To serve, ladle soup into individual soup bowls. Top each with a Parmesan crouton and garnish with thyme leaves.