Tomato Bisque with Grilled Pesto and Provolone Croutons hit the comfort food spot this week.
I’ve been a bit under the weather so this silky bisque seemed to be a perfect recipe for my current state of being.
Am I the only one that is glad the holidays are over? I do love the holidays but by the end, I feel as if I’ve run short on energy. December was busy as I’m sure you can tell. I was hardly present on this blog!
Truthfully, I’m one of those people who doesn’t multi-task very well. I always thought I was a good multi-tasker until one day I decided to give up that rouse and acknowledge my need for perfection – which gets in the way of multi-tasking.
But you know, I’m sort of ok with that. Many years ago when my youngest daughter was standing in front of my desk, as I was typing away on my computer, and said to me “mom, mom, mom, I’m talking, look at me!”. Well if that didn’t stop me in my tracks.
It dawned on me that day that I was a terrible multi-tasker and my kiddos deserved my undivided attention. Since then I’ve tried to be present in each moment; and that even means when I’m not feeling well.
Which led me to posting this Tomato Bisque with Pesto and Provolone Croutons! If you don’t feel up to making those adorable croutons, just make the sandwich. It’ll all taste just as delicious and feels like one giant food hug.
Happiest of New Years and many more delicious wishes!
Karista
Tomato Bisque with Grilled Pesto and Provolone Croutons
Notes
I adore these croutons prepared with sliced sourdough bread, but they can be prepared with traditional white bread or your favorite multi grain bread. On occasion, I’ll substitute sliced smoked provolone for the regular provolone - for a grown-up twist of flavor.
Recipe first published in Home by Design Magazine December 2017 Issue
Ingredients
For the soup
- 2 tablespoons ghee or extra virgin olive oil
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons white rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the croutons
- 2-3 tablespoons butter
- 8 slices thick white or sourdough bread
- ¼-1/3 cup basil pesto
- 4-8 slices provolone or smoked provolone
Instructions
For the soup
- Heat the ghee or olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. When the ghee/oil is hot, add the diced onions and celery and saute until the vegetables are soft, about five minutes. Then stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano and pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Saute for one minute longer.
- Then stir in the vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring the soup to a simmer and then stir in the rice. Cover and simmer the soup on low for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is soft.
- Once the rice is soft, puree the soup with an immersion blender or place the soup in a blender and puree. If using a blender, let the soup cool just a bit before adding it to the blender.
- Once the soup has been pureed, place the soup pot back over low heat and stir in the teaspoon of sugar and red wine vinegar. Then season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Last, take the soup off the heat and stir in the heavy cream. If you feel the soup is too thick it can be thinned with a little vegetable broth.
- Serve with Grilled Pesto and Provolone Croutons.
For the croutons
- Spread butter on the outside of each slice of bread. Spread pesto on the inside of each slice of bread. Place a slice or two of provolone on four slices of bread. Top with the pesto smeared bread and then place the sandwiches in the skillet and brown on both sides.
- Let the sandwiches cool for about 5 minutes before cutting them into small squares like croutons. I like to skewer two or three croutons and then serve them with my soup.
Looks delish!
Thank you so much! And thanks for taking the time to comment. Happiest of New Years! Karista
Thanks so much for stopping by! Karista
Huzzah! Sounds fantastic! You talented woman, you! Love!????????❤️
🙂 Thank you Auntie… you made my day! Love you so much!