Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup is a delightful marriage of vibrant flavors, where the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers harmonizes with the rich tang of ripe tomatoes. This comforting, homemade soup is the perfect companion for chilly evenings or whenever you need a bowl of warmth and flavor. Let’s dive into this recipe and discover how to create this aromatic, velvety soup in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup:

• 4 red bell peppers
• 6 ripe tomatoes
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for added creaminess)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Roast the Red Peppers and Tomatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the red bell peppers and ripe tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Roast the peppers and tomatoes for about 30-35 minutes or until their skins blister and char slightly. Turn them occasionally for even roasting.
4. Once roasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool. Then, peel off the skins, remove the seeds and stems from the peppers, and roughly chop them.

Step 2: Saute the Onion and Garlic

1. In a large soup pot, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Saute until they become soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Blend the Ingredients

1. Add the roasted red peppers, tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano to the pot. Stir and cook for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
2. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender to puree until smooth.

Step 4: Add Cream (Optional) and Season

1. If you desire extra creaminess, stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for a few more minutes until heated through.
2. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup into bowls.
2. Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.

Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup is a cozy, flavorful delight that’s perfect for warming your soul on a cool day. The marriage of roasted red peppers and ripe tomatoes creates a rich, smoky-sweet soup that’s both comforting and delicious. Whether you choose to enjoy it on its own or paired with a crusty piece of bread, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.