Warm up your kitchen and tantalize your taste buds with a bowl of velvety Cream of Red Pepper Soup! This delightful American classic is not just a feast for the eyes with its vibrant color; it’s also a rich, comforting dish that promises to wrap you in a cozy embrace with every spoonful. Perfect for chilly evenings or as an elegant starter for your next dinner party, this soup is simple to make yet impressively delicious. Ready to elevate your culinary skills? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 red bell peppers, roasted
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the red bell peppers. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Cut the peppers in half, remove the seeds and stems, and place them cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the skins are blistered and charred. Once roasted, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before peeling off the skins.
- While the peppers are roasting, prepare the other ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
- Once the peppers are roasted and peeled, chop them into smaller pieces. Add the roasted red peppers to the pot with the onions and garlic, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- After simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the soup over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream to maintain its rich texture.
- Once heated, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more vegetable broth or water until the desired texture is reached.
- Serve the cream of red pepper soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of additional cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and comforting soup!
Tips
- Roasting the Peppers: For the best flavor, make sure to roast the red bell peppers until the skins are blistered and charred. This caramelization adds a depth of sweetness to the soup.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your soup. Opt for high-quality vegetable broth to ensure a rich base.
- Texture Matters: For a perfectly smooth soup, use an immersion blender. If you don’t have one, blend in batches with a countertop blender, but be cautious with the hot liquid.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, feel free to reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with a lighter option like half-and-half or coconut milk for a unique twist.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with a drizzle of cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or even croutons for added texture.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick, or fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a fragrant finish.
- Make Ahead: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for a few days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Just reheat gently on the stove, avoiding boiling after adding the cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg