Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

This Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. With its rich and creamy roux base, this soup highlights the pure flavor of roasted red peppers without any cream or tomato. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, a starter for a gathering, or even as a light lunch. You’ll love its simplicity and deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The roasted red peppers deliver a deep, smoky sweetness that is truly irresistible.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this soup in no time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Ideal as a starter or main dish, you can pair it with crusty bread or serve it with toppings like croutons and fresh herbs.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and spices, this soup is both tasty and good for you.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding hot red pepper to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools and prepare your workspace for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Baking sheet
• Stick blender (or food processor)
• Chopping board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for making the roux and simmering the soup, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Stick blender: Allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot for convenience and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

This roasted red pepper soup is rich and creamy with a roux base, no cream and no tomato, pure roasted red pepper flavor, simple and delicious!

For the Soup

• 1 pound red bell peppers (about 3-4 bell peppers – or use 4-5 red poblano peppers)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (peanut oil is great)
• ¼ cup white flour
• 1 medium white onion (chopped (or use yellow or sweet))
• 1-2 hot red peppers (chopped – optional, to preference)
• 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin (or more to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups vegetable stock (or use chicken stock)

For Serving

• Crispy croutons
• Red pepper flakes
• Sliced chilies
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Olive oil or chili oil drizzle

How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Red Peppers

Set your oven to broil. Slice the poblano peppers in half lengthwise and place them on a lightly oiled baking sheet, skin sides up. Alternatively, roast them on a lightly oiled grill over medium heat.

Step 2: Broil the Peppers

Broil the red peppers for 15 minutes until the skins char and blacken. They should puff up. If using the grill, turn them every few minutes until charred.

Step 3: Peel the Peppers

Remove the peppers from heat and transfer them into a bowl. Let them cool slightly before peeling off the skins, seeds, and stems. If they don’t peel easily, cover with plastic wrap or a cloth to steam them.

Step 4: Chop the Peppers

Roughly chop the roasted red peppers and set them aside.

Step 5: Make the Roux

In a large pot over medium heat, add peanut oil. Once heated, stir in flour. Cook while stirring constantly for about 8-10 minutes until it turns golden brown like peanut butter.

Step 6: Sauté Onions and Peppers

Add chopped onion and optional hot peppers to the roux. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 7: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Mix in chopped roasted red peppers, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin along with salt and pepper. Stir well for another minute.

Step 8: Simmer the Soup

Pour in vegetable stock; bring to a boil quickly. Lower heat and let it simmer for approximately 30 minutes to meld flavors together.

Step 9: Adjust Consistency

If needed, adjust consistency by adding more stock or water until you reach desired thickness.

Step 10: Blend Until Smooth

Using a stick blender, blend until smooth directly in the pot or transfer batches into a food processor or blender.

Step 11: Serve

Ladle into bowls; garnish with olive oil or chili oil drizzle along with croutons, chili flakes, sliced chilies, and fresh parsley as desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Roasted Red Pepper Soup!

How to Serve Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

Roasted red pepper soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Garnish for Presentation

• Olive Oil Drizzle: A simple drizzle of olive oil adds richness and enhances the soup’s flavor.
• Chili Oil: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a splash of chili oil will spice things up.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brings a fresh color and taste, brightening the dish.

Accompaniments

• Crispy Croutons: Add texture with homemade or store-bought croutons, perfect for dipping.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle on top provides an extra kick for spice lovers.
• Sliced Chilies: Fresh slices can enhance both the presentation and flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm Bread: Pair your soup with warm crusty bread for a comforting meal.
• Salad: A light green salad complements the rich flavors of the soup without overpowering it.

How to Perfect Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

To achieve the best results with your roasted red pepper soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavoring: Use smoked paprika and cumin generously to enhance depth in flavor.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker or thinner soup, adjust with vegetable stock or water accordingly.
• Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables for better flavor; avoid canned or frozen options if possible.
• Blend Well: Ensure you blend the soup until smooth to achieve that creamy texture without cream.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste and adjust seasoning as needed to ensure optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your roasted red pepper soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that provides gooey cheese contrast to the smoky flavors of the soup.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Offer a hearty side filled with grains, beans, or veggies to complement the roasted flavors.
3. Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious, quinoa salad adds protein and freshness alongside your soup.
4. Garlic Breadsticks: These buttery sticks are great for dipping into your flavorful soup.
5. Vegetable Panini: Grilled veggies pressed between toasted bread make for a deliciously rustic side dish.
6. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Infused with herbs and spices, it offers a fragrant addition that pairs well with the soup’s rich taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your roasted red pepper soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfectly smooth and flavorful soup.

• Boldly skipping roasting: Roasting red peppers enhances their flavor. Don’t skip this step; it adds depth and sweetness.
• Ignoring the roux: A roux is essential for thickness. Cook it properly until it turns golden brown to avoid a raw flour taste.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and spices as necessary; they can make or break the dish.
• Over-blending: Blending too much can make the soup too thin. Blend just enough to achieve your desired consistency.
• Neglecting garnishes: Garnishes add texture and flavor. Use croutons, chili flakes, or fresh parsley for a delightful finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion.

Reheating Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts (1-2 minutes), stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the roasted red pepper soup recipe that may help you perfect your dish.

How do I make my roasted red pepper soup recipe creamier?

You can add a splash of coconut milk or use a plant-based cream alternative for a richer texture without using dairy.

Can I use different types of peppers in this roasted red pepper soup recipe?

Yes! Feel free to mix in yellow or orange bell peppers for varied flavors and colors.

What can I serve with roasted red pepper soup?

Pair it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or grilled cheese sandwiches for a satisfying meal.

Is this roasted red pepper soup recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe contains no animal products and is entirely plant-based.

How do I store leftover roasted red pepper soup?

Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This roasted red pepper soup recipe is both rich and satisfying, making it perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and garnishes based on what you love. Try adding extra spices or toppings that suit your taste!