Tomato Truffle Bisque
Ingredients:
1 medium onion, diced small
3 carrots, diced small
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. tomato paste
2-15 oz cans or 1-28 oz can, San Marzano tomatoes
2 tsp. Herbs de Provence (optional)
1 -1/4 cup vegetable stock
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
½ cup heavy cream
2-3 tbsp. black truffle oil
1-2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
Grated Gruyère
Directions:
-In a medium saucepan, sweat the onions, carrots, and garlic until translucent; add tomato paste and cook for two minutes.
-Add San Marzano tomatoes, Herbs de Provence, chicken stock and cream; simmer for 30 minutes.
-Add truffle oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
-Blend carefully in a blender until smooth.
-Return soup to saucepan and heat slowly before serving
-Finish the soup with a drizzle of truffle oil and a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese
-Serves 4-6.
Last year I lovingly adapted Jeffrey Scott’s recipe from Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles, California, in a menu for one of my cooking classes. His recipe further inspired me to create my own version. In my area in South France, near Uzès, En Provence Occitane, the culinary treasure—black truffle is found, and is in season from November to March. This being March, and the end of the season, I thought to share this recipe with you.
Easy to make, with almost everything readily available in your pantry, with possibly the exception of black truffle oil. Trader Joes, around the holidays stocks a black truffle oil /white truffle oil in a two pack. Other places to find black truffle oil are online, and where specialty foods, vinegars, and oils are sold.
For these blustery March days, make this creamy dreamy bisque, and pair it with a yummy grilled cheese sandwich, a French Croque Monsieur, or even a Trader Joes warmed Garlic Naan.
Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie