Tomato bisque soup is a warm, comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. A single cup of this delicious soup contains 248 calories, making it a hearty meal that will keep you full for hours.

In addition to being filling, tomato bisque soup is also packed with nutrients. It is made primarily from tomatoes, which are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. Tomatoes also contain the antioxidant lycopene, which has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of prostate cancer.

In this article, we'll explore the many health benefits of tomato bisque soup, as well as provide recipes and tips for making low-calorie versions at home.

Calories in Tomato Bisque Soup

A single cup of tomato bisque soup contains 248 calories. This may seem like a lot, but it is actually a very filling meal that will keep you satisfied for hours. If you're trying to cut back on calories, consider having a smaller serving size or pairing it with a salad or piece of whole grain bread. It's also worth noting that not all tomato bisque soups are created equal. Some store-bought versions may contain added sugars or cream, which can significantly increase the calorie count. If you're watching your calorie intake, make sure to check the nutrition label before purchasing.

Ingredients in Tomato Bisque Soup

Tomato bisque soup is primarily made from tomatoes, but it also contains a variety of other ingredients to give it its unique flavor. Some common ingredients include onion, garlic, celery, carrots, vegetable broth, and cream. To make tomato bisque soup at home, you'll need to start by sautéing the onion, garlic, and celery until they are soft. Then, add in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth, and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes. Finally, puree the soup in a blender, and stir in the cream (if desired).

Health Benefits of Tomato Bisque Soup

Tomatoes are packed with nutrients that can have a number of health benefits. They are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. Tomatoes also contain the antioxidant lycopene, which has been shown to have a variety of health benefits. These include reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of prostate cancer. In addition, tomato bisque soup is often made with additional vegetables, such as onion, garlic, and celery, further boosting its nutrient content.

Serving Size of Tomato Bisque Soup

A typical serving size of tomato bisque soup is one cup (258 grams). This serving size contains 248 calories and is often served as a meal on its own. If you're looking to reduce your calorie intake, consider having a smaller serving size or pairing it with a side salad or whole grain bread.

How to Make Tomato Bisque Soup at Home

Making tomato bisque soup at home is easier than you might think. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 cups chopped tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in the cream (if desired), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or croutons if desired.

Low-Calorie Tomato Bisque Soup Recipes

If you're looking to reduce your calorie intake, there are a variety of ways to make tomato bisque soup without sacrificing flavor. Here are a few low-calorie recipes to try:

• Roasted Tomato Bisque: This recipe uses roasted tomatoes and cauliflower to give the soup a rich, creamy texture without the added calories of cream.
• Tomato Basil Bisque: This recipe uses fresh basil and skim milk to create a lighter version of the classic soup.
• Vegan Tomato Bisque: This recipe uses cashews and nutritional yeast to create a creamy, vegan version of tomato bisque soup.

Tomato Bisque Soup and Weight Loss

While tomato bisque soup is certainly not a low-calorie food, it can still be a part of a healthy weight loss plan. The key is to enjoy it in moderation, and to pair it with other healthy foods like vegetables and whole grains. Additionally, making your own tomato bisque soup at home allows you to control exactly what goes into it, which can help to reduce calorie and fat content. Consider using low-fat or skim milk in place of cream, and adding additional vegetables like carrots or squash for added nutrition.

Tomato Bisque Soup and Heart Health

Tomatoes are known to be heart-healthy due to their high levels of lycopene, potassium, and fiber. Additionally, many tomato bisque soups are made with heart-healthy ingredients like garlic and olive oil. However, some store-bought tomato bisque soups may contain added sodium, which can be harmful to heart health. If you're watching your sodium intake, make sure to check the nutrition label before purchasing.

Tomato Bisque Soup and Immune System

Tomatoes are packed with vitamins and nutrients that can help to boost the immune system. They are particularly rich in vitamin C, which is known to strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infections. Additionally, many tomato bisque soups are made with other immune-boosting ingredients like garlic and onion.

Tomato Bisque Soup and Cancer Prevention

Lycopene, one of the key nutrients in tomatoes, has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. It may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Additionally, tomato bisque soup is often made with other cancer-fighting ingredients like garlic and onions.