Fire-Roasted Tomato Bisque

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
3. 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
4. 1 celery rib, finely chopped
5. 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
6. 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
7. 4 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
8. Two 14 1/2-ounce cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes, drained
9. 3 tablespoons tomato paste
10. 2 teaspoons sugar
11. 1/4 cup heavy cream
12. Salt and freshly ground white pepper
13. 1/2 cup garlic or cheese croutons, for garnish (optional)

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery and garlic, cover and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir over low heat for 1 minute, or until the flour is fully incorporated. Add the chicken stock, tomatoes, tomato paste and sugar and bring to a boil. Cover partially and cook the soup over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 15 minutes. 
2. Transfer half of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Return the puree to the saucepan, add the heavy cream and cook until the soup is just heated through. Season the soup with salt and white pepper and swirl in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with croutons and serve.