Fire Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup: A Flavorful Delight

Summary

Indulge in the smoky, rich flavors of fire-roasted red pepper and tomato soup. This easy-to-make recipe combines fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a touch of Parmesan cheese to create a delicious and nutritious dish. Whether served hot or cold, this soup is a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal.

Ingredients

To create this delectable soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs of red peppers
• 1 lb fresh tomatoes
• 1 large onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1.5 quarts chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon fresh basil
• 1 pinch of thyme
• 1 pinch of oregano
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

Roasting the Vegetables

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the tomatoes in half, the peppers in half, and the onion into quarters. Remove the skin from the garlic cloves.
3. Coat with Olive Oil: Brush all the vegetables with olive oil.
4. Roast the Vegetables: Place the vegetables on a large metal grate for good air circulation. If you don't have a metal grate, use a roasting pan but ensure to remove moisture frequently to avoid braising. Roast for 20-30 minutes or until the skins start to wilt and brown. Larger vegetables may require more time.
5. Cool and Peel: Remove the vegetables from the oven and place them in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. The steam will make peeling easier.

Making the Soup

1. Puree the Vegetables: Peel the roasted vegetables and puree them using an immersion blender or a standalone blender until smooth.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a soup pot, add the chicken stock, herbs, and pureed vegetables. Simmer for 30-45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the soup reaches a smooth consistency.
4. Season and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot or cold.

Optional Additions

• Heavy Cream: For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream.
• Pinch of Sugar: A small amount of sugar can enhance the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Nutritional Information

This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Red peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, while tomatoes provide a good source of antioxidants like lycopene. According to the USDA, one cup of red bell peppers contains 190% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.

Interesting Facts

• Tomato Consumption: The average American consumes about 24 pounds of tomatoes per year, with half of that amount coming from tomato products like sauces and soups (Source: USDA).
• Red Pepper Benefits: Red bell peppers have more than twice the vitamin C content of green bell peppers (Source: Healthline).

Conclusion

This fire-roasted red pepper and tomato soup is a delightful blend of smoky, savory flavors and nutritious ingredients. Whether you're looking for a comforting hot soup or a refreshing cold dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy. For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, check out Bon Appétit and Food Network.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with this flavorful and easy-to-make soup!