Herbed Onion Bisque
A creamy herbed onion bisque with fresh parsley, garlic, and lemon zest, perfect for cozy gatherings or elegant starters, blending rich flavors and fragrant herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. onions
- 1 bunch green onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves ⓘ
- 2-inch strip lemon zest ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 can (10 3/4 oz.) undiluted chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 6 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, green onions, and sliced carrots; cook until vegetables are tender and onions are golden.
- Stir in minced garlic, dried marjoram, lemon zest, salt, and pepper; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Pour in milk and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bisque thickens.
- Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try roasting the onions before adding them to the pot. If you want to lighten the bisque, substitute half of the milk with vegetable broth or use low-fat milk. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste, so feel free to add thyme or basil along with the parsley. If you're short on time, pre-chopped onions and shredded carrots can be a great shortcut.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Herbed Onion Bisque with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with T'S Carrot Soup for a comforting lunch or dinner. You can also garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the bisque gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the bisque thickens too much, you can add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Onion Bisque contains roughly 2640 calories, with 13g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 250g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (143% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1605mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bisque ahead of time?
Yes, this bisque can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just remember that the flavors will deepen as it sits. When ready to serve, simply reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little extra milk or broth if needed.
Can I freeze Herbed Onion Bisque?
Yes, you can freeze the bisque, but it's best to do so before adding the milk. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat, adding freshly warmed milk to bring it back to the right consistency.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. This will keep the bisque delicious while accommodating dietary preferences. Just ensure to taste and adjust the seasoning since vegetable broth can vary in saltiness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).