If you spend a lot of time cooking with white wine, you’re probably used to using drier varietals like Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. While drier wines lend themselves better to most types of cooking, there are some occasions where a sweeter wine, like a Riesling or Moscato, bodes best.
Because tomatoes can often be bitter, it’s not uncommon to add a pinch (or two) of sugar to a tomato bisque or other tomato-heavy dish. However, while this is a great way cut down on bitterness, there are other options that will not only help sweeten your soup but add flavor and depth at the same time.
For this rich and creamy bisque, Riesling, sweet onion and carrots are caramelized together to bring a sweet and flavorful balance to this mid-winter warmer. Use a Riesling that’s mildly sweet and full of juicy flavor like British Columbia vintner Chaberton Estate Winery’s Reserve Riesling. Made with specially selected grapes from the Similkameen Valley, this crisp white wine carries flavors of citrus, peach and honey.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Makes: 8-12 servings
Ingredients:
¼ cup olive oil
1 fennel bulb, chopped
2 sweet onions, diced
5 carrots, peeled and diced
½ cup Chaberton Estate Winery’s Reserve Riesling
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups chicken broth
2 28-ounce cans whole, peeled tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
crushed red pepper (optional)
mozzarella (for topping)
Directions:
In a large pot medium heat, sauté olive oil, fennel, onions and carrots until caramelized, about 20 minutes.
Add Riesling and continue cooking until reduced, 1-2 minutes.
Whisk in cream until well incorporated. Add chicken broth, tomatoes, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
Using an immersion blender, puree soup until consistency is smooth and even. If you prefer a thinner soup, add additional chicken broth. Simmer soup on low for 45 minutes.
When ready to serve, bowl soup, top with fresh mozzarella slices and broil tops until cheese is melted and golden brown in color. Garnish with additional salt and pepper and crushed red pepper (optional) to taste.
This soup is great on its own or served alongside crostini or grilled cheese.
