Auntie C’s Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe

I grew up in an English household surrounded by English accents and a lot of sarcasm. Did I mention a lot of sarcasm? My Auntie C was no exception to the rule. What always separated her from the English family bunch was her emotional and warm heart. I always think of Auntie C fondly and as a motherly figure to me. Try to picture my Auntie C and imagine her as my short haired, sarcastic, emotional, "sweetie" Absolutely Fabulous auntie.

One of my fondest memories from when I was a child of my Auntie was when she took me on opening night to see the Swan Lake ballet. (I think I was 11) I had been dancing ballet for a couple of years and was loving it. Ballet was a wonderful outlet for me. I sat on the edge of my seat the entire night and held her hand. It was magical evening.

While I was growing up in Toronto and from the times I have visited almost every year after, Auntie C makes wonderful soup. There is never a kick to them, but there is a warmth of childhood every time I slurp at some of her soup from my spoon. Below is the recipe so you can share it with your loved ones. This is really easy dinner recipe on a budget.

Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe

INGREDIENTS:
½ cup butter/margarine
2 medium onions diced
¼ cup flour
1 28 oz tin of diced tomato
5 cups chicken broth
A Pinch celery seed
2 carrots sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
6 whole peppercorns
½ teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoon sweet vermouth (don’t fret if you don’t have it – you could throw a drop of sherry in)
Chopped parsley/dill

DIRECTIONS:
Over a medium saucepan heat and melt the butter, sautee onions in a separate cooking pan. Add the onions and add the flour to the large saucepan; stir in the tomatoes, the broth and the seasoning.

Simmer for approx 45 minutes. Serve Tomato Bisque Soup with a little chopped parsley or dill. This soup also freezes superbly!! I like to serve this soup with either a grilled cheese sandwich on the side (that recipe coming soon) or with some croutons.

I hope you enjoy this dinner recipe on a budget and can imagine Auntie C in her blue kitchen with her frog figurines, cooking for us. Leave me a comment and let me know what dish your Auntie made for you?