Tomato soup is one of the most popular and versatile soups in the world. Its a soup thats used everywhere from school cafeterias to high-end restaurants. Yet, youve likely also seen tomato bisques on menus and wondered just what the difference between tomato soup vs tomato bisque is.
Lets dive into the differences between tomato soup and tomato bisque including nutrition and the history of where these soups originated from.
Any “cream of” soup, tomato included, is pureed like a normal soup but then goes through a “creaming” process, wherein cream is added to the mixture. Cream of tomato soup is actually cooked at a much lower temperature than normal tomato soup.
Where Did Tomato Bisque Originate?
In comparison, bisque is of French origin. Tomato bisque is especially a thicker, silkier, and creamier version of its Spanish soup counterpart.
Initially, the bisque was prepared using shellfish and seafood. The shells from the seafood, such as shrimp, clam, or lobster, never went to waste. Being crushed into a fine paste and further reduced, then finally becoming the main thickening agent.
Tomatoes, chicken or vegetable stock, and a thickening cream were later added as common ingredients. Compared to tomato soup, tomato bisque takes longer to prepare, taking anywhere from 20 min – 1 hr and 10 min to complete.
Note: If you are ordering tomato bisque in a restaurant, you should ask if they have used seafood bisque in case you have any seafood allergies.
Can You Substitute Tomato Soup for Tomato Bisque?
Although both would taste substantially better with fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes, you can substitute fresh or canned tomatoes with tomato sauce, French onion soup, corn soup, or tomato paste in many recipes.
Here are five tomato variations you could try when substituting tomato soup for tomato bisque.
Tomato sauce is a beautiful substitute for tomatoes as they have a credible tomato taste and contain no dairy products.
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Nomato sauce is also used as a great substitute in any recipe. It is produced using a variety of root vegetables and flavors, contains no soy, dairy, wheat, gluten, nuts, or tomatoes, and is naturally rich in antioxidants and nutrients. However, nomato sauce is often more expensive than other tomato substitutes, so most people find cheaper alternatives that work better for them.
Tomato paste is a beautiful substitute for cream as it has a creamy and rich tomato taste without incorporating any dairy. This is a beneficial alternative for those allergic to dairy or are lactose intolerant.
It can also be used instead of tomatoes as it is typically cheaper than canned or fresh tomatoes. The consistency differs between brands, so you might have to thin it out with extra fluid, such as water, almond milk, vegetable stock, etc.
French onion soup is a hot, delicious soup prepared with caramelized onions. Its typically served in bread bowls or cups and topped with cheddar cheese.
Corn soup is a thick and smooth soup seasoned with corn, spices, flavors, vegetables, and sometimes cheddar.
Rich and Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe | SO Easy!
FAQ
What’s the difference between Campbell’s tomato soup and Campbell’s tomato bisque?
What is cream of tomato soup made of?
What is the difference between tomato basil and tomato bisque soup?
What is the difference between classic tomato soup and creamy tomato soup?
Classic tomato soup is made with tomatoes, broth and flavorings (like onion, garlic, and other spices). Creamy tomato soup is made with canned tomatoes and milk or cream to give it a creamy texture. Both are usually pureed. USE ORGANIC CANNED TOMATOES. Or even fresh ripe summer tomatoes!
What is the difference between tomato puree and tomato sauce?
There is no substantial difference between the tomato puree and tomato sauce. Their preparation methods are also primarily similar. Tomato puree is the pure extract of boiled and peeled tomatoes and are strained to remove the seeds and is thick in consistency compared to tomato sauce. Whereas tomato sauce has added ingredients like herbs, spices and vegetables, which gives flavour
What is cream of tomato soup?
Any “cream of” soup, tomato included, is pureed like a normal soup but then goes through a “creaming” process, wherein cream is added to the mixture. Cream of tomato soup is actually cooked at a much lower temperature than normal tomato soup. That’s because, at a high temperature, the cream would curdle or scale easily.
What is a good flavor for Cream of tomato soup?
Rosemary is another fabulous flavor in this soup. Or go with some fresh oregano or dill. Another great option for a spicier soup is a generous dose of freshly ground or cracked peppercorns. Try a variety of herbs/spices and see what you like best. Homemade cream of tomato soup can often be a little, well, bland.