Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Roasted red pepper soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that's perfect for a chilly day. It's a smooth and creamy soup that's made with roasted red bell peppers, garlic, onion, and a few other key ingredients. This soup is not only delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Roasting the red peppers is a crucial step in this recipe as it brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavor. The peppers are usually charred on an open flame or roasted in the oven until the skin is blackened and blistered.

Not only is it easy to make and packed with flavor, but it also boasts a range of health benefits that make it a smart choice for anyone looking to eat well. This soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a crusty bread, salad, or sandwich for a more substantial meal.

Health Benefits

Get ready to be excited about the health benefits of roasted red pepper soup! This nutritious soup is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can do wonders for your health. Here are some reasons why you should add roasted red pepper soup to your weekly meal plan:

• Red bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, which can boost your immune system and help protect your cells from damage. It also helps you absorb your iron if you have trouble with that sort of thing.
• Roasting the peppers increases the levels of antioxidants in them, which can help reduce inflammation in your body and lower your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. It also helps you feel better if you've recently had a lot of unhealthy foods.
• Onions and garlic, which are used in this recipe, contain compounds that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. They can help support your immune system and reduce your risk of infections and inflammation-related diseases. Onions and garlic are a staple in many soup recipes, and they're ust a flavor bomb.
• Vegetable broth is a low-calorie and low-fat alternative to meat-based broths, and it's packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can help keep you hydrated and support your overall health.
• Adding cream to the soup is optional, but if you do, you can use heavy cream or coconut cream, which are both rich in healthy fats that can help keep you full and satisfied.

Ingredients

• 4 red bell peppers
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: croutons, fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Rinse the red bell peppers and pat them dry. Cut each pepper in half and remove the stem, seeds, and white membrane. Place the peppers cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Roast the peppers in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the skins are blistered and blackened in places.
4. While the peppers are roasting, in a large pot, heat up oil over medium heat for 2-3 min. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.
5. Once the peppers are done roasting, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes until they are cool enough to handle.
6. Use your fingers or a paper towel to peel off the skins from the peppers. Discard the skins and roughly chop the peppers.
7. Add the chopped roasted peppers to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir to combine.
8. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir in the smoked paprika.
9. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
10. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
11. If desired, add the cream and blend again until creamy.
12. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
13. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with croutons, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Here are some serving suggestions for roasted red pepper soup:

• Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
• Garnish the soup with croutons, fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and texture.
• For a heartier meal, add some cooked rice, quinoa, or lentils to the soup.
• Pair the soup with a simple salad or a vegetable side dish, such as roasted broccoli or sautéed kale.

No matter how you choose to serve it, roasted red pepper soup is sure to be a satisfying and nutritious meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

📖 Recipe

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