Roasted Red Pepper Soup – Creamy, Smoky, and Comforting

Updated on October 15, 2024
Roasted Red Pepper Soup – Creamy, Smoky, and Comforting

This Roasted Red Pepper Soup is a rich, vibrant dish packed with smoky-sweet flavors of roasted red peppers, garlic, and onions. It’s creamy, healthy, and comforting, perfect for cool days when you crave something warm and nourishing. With a blend of spices and a hint of creaminess, this soup is simple to make yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a light starter.

Servings
4
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
35m
Total Time
50m

Ingredients

  • 4 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Roast the peppers. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the red peppers on a baking sheet and roast them for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are charred and the peppers are soft. Remove from the oven and place them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam. Peel the skins, remove the seeds, and set aside.

Step 2

Sauté the aromatics. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3

Add spices. Stir in the smoked paprika and ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute to release the flavors.

Step 4

Blend the soup. Add the roasted peppers and vegetable broth to the pot. Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches) to purée the soup until smooth.

Step 5

Simmer. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6

Finish with cream (optional). For extra creaminess, stir in the heavy cream just before serving.

Step 7

Serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Recipe tips

Roasting the red peppers until their skins are deeply charred gives the soup a smoky, intense flavor. Don’t skip the steaming step to make peeling easier. For added depth, you can roast the garlic cloves along with the peppers. If you prefer a lighter soup, you can skip the cream or substitute it with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Top with a swirl of balsamic glaze or a dollop of yogurt for a gourmet touch.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories
190
Fats
12g
Carbohydrates
18g
Proteins
3g