Creamy Tomato Bisque Instant Pot Recipe

I absolutely adore this creamy tomato bisque because it’s amazingly easy to whip up in my Instant Pot, making it a perfect go-to for busy weeknights. Plus, the rich blend of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs combined with a splash of cream creates a comforting flavor that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

The Creamy Tomato Bisque made in the Instant Pot is rich and comforting. It has the flavors I adore and am used to, but it is different in part because it is made in the Instant Pot.

Instead of the stove, you can use this countertop appliance to get dinner on the table, as in my make-over for this bisque. What has not changed is that you can use aromatics, such as onion, garlic, and herbs, to season this bisque to perfection.

Ingredients

Olive Oil:
Fats that are healthy and provide subtle flavors and a richness.

Onion:
Provides natural sweetness and depth; is abundant in antioxidants.

Garlic:
Renowned for its immune-enhancing attributes and fragrant taste.

Diced Tomatoes:
Abundant in vitamins and antioxidants, contribute sweet, tart flavor.

Dried Basil:
Gives off a fragrant, sweet perfume; has an earthy, sugary taste.

Dried Oregano:
Having a taste or odor that is similar to soil, yet strongly imbued with the essence of what makes a soup good to eat, this type of mushroom grows in the damp of the forest (or sometimes in a backyard), not far from where the trees stand.

Earthy and pungent, the mushroom enhances the savory profile of the soup.

Yet in the classic preparation, these mushrooms are puréed into the soup and thinned with stock.

Instead of serving them in chunks, then, we serve their essence in a more refined (and I think, a bit more elegant) manner.

And because the culinary uses of mushrooms are nearly limitless, we had to serve them remodeled.

Otherwise you’ll just eat a mushroom.

Pungent and earthy, they offer a mushroomy flavor.

I tried reworking this sentence for clarity but became muddled.

I think it’s because the flavor of the mushroom is so intense that it needed to be said twice.

Heavy Cream:
Imparts a rich, creamy quality; mellows the soup’s texture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (14 oz) cans of diced tomatoes with juices
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Adjust your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and warm the olive oil.

2. Add the onion, chopped, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it is softened.

3. In a minute more, mix in the minced garlic and cook it up till it gives off a good smell.

4. Mix together the diced tomatoes with their juices, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Add the vegetable or chicken broth and stir it in thoroughly.

6. Lock the lid on the Instant Pot, set it to sealing, and select manual (or pressure cook) function. Cook on high (high pressure) for 10 minutes.

7. When the cooking cycle is finished, let the pressure drop naturally for about 5 minutes, then let out any remaining pressure with a quick release.

8. An immersion blender can be used to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If using a traditional blender, work in batches and return the soup to the pot after blending.

9. Incorporate the whipping cream until fully integrated and the soup is creamy.

10. Serve very warm, with fresh basil leaves as a garnish, if desired. Enjoy the creamy tomato bisque!

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot
2. Measuring spoons
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Immersion blender or traditional blender
7. Ladle

FAQ

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?Certainly! Fresh tomatoes can be used. You would use approximately 4 cups of fresh tomatoes that have been chopped with their juices.
• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?For sure! Replace the thick cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Can I freeze the bisque for later?Yes, you can freeze the bisque without the cream. Add the cream when you reheat it.
• What can I serve with tomato bisque?A bisque pairs nicely with any of the following:

  – Grilled cheese sandwiches
  – Crusty bread
  – Side salad

• How do I make the bisque thicker?If you want to reduce the amount of liquid in the bisque, you can either let it simmer longer or add a slurry of cornstarch. After all, a bisque should be thick and unctuous, with a mouthfeel that rivals any creamy or cheesy soup.
• Can I use an immersion blender for this recipe?Indeed, an immersion blender is ideal for producing a smooth bisque right in the pot.

Substitutions and Variations

Two tablespoons olive oil can be replaced with butter or coconut oil.
Replace 1 medium onion, chopped, with 2 shallots or 1 leek, chopped.
Can be substituted with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, minced.
Coconut milk or half-and-half can be used to replace heavy cream, in an amount equal to that stated in the recipe. The result will be a cream that’s a bit lighter, both in consistency and in flavor.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves (optional). Substitutions: fresh parsley or cilantro leaves.

Pro Tips

1. For added depth of flavor, consider roasting the onion and garlic in the oven before adding them to the Instant Pot. This can bring out their natural sweetness and add complexity to the soup.

2. Use high-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano tomatoes, for the best flavor. They tend to be sweeter and less acidic, improving the overall taste of the bisque.

3. Add a dash of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking to enhance the tomato flavor and introduce a subtle tang to the bisque.

4. Consider using fresh herbs instead of dried if you have them available. Fresh basil and oregano can significantly enhance the flavor profile, adding a vibrant freshness to the soup.

5. For a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of broth slightly or let the soup simmer without the lid after blending to allow it to thicken.