Are you ready to transform your ordinary lunch or dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Red Pepper and Tomato Soup is not just another recipe—it's a vibrant, soul-warming dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy. With its rich, velvety texture and deep, complex flavors, this soup is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will impress family and friends alike.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the red bell peppers, peeling the onion, and crushing the garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
- Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add minced garlic and chopped red bell peppers to the pot, continuing to cook for another 5-6 minutes until the peppers start to soften.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and vegetable broth, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
- Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Choose ripe, bright red bell peppers for the most intense flavor and sweetness.
- Sauté vegetables slowly to develop a deeper, caramelized flavor profile.
- Use a high-quality vegetable broth to enhance the overall taste of the soup.
- For an extra smooth texture, strain the soup after blending to remove any remaining pepper seeds or skin.
- If you prefer a richer soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche before serving.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add a bright, fresh finish to the soup.
- For a smoky variation, consider roasting the peppers before adding them to the pot.
- The soup can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 83kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
