Roasted Red Pepper Soup (Printable)

Silky roasted red peppers blended with caramelized garlic and warm spices for a comforting Mediterranean bowl.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 large red bell peppers
02 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 - 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
04 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
05 - 1 celery stalk, chopped

→ Liquids

06 - 3 cups vegetable broth
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Flavorings

08 - 1 to 2 teaspoons harissa paste, to taste
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnishes

12 - 1/4 cup crème fraîche or plain yogurt
13 - Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
14 - Crusty bread, for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Place red peppers and unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once, until peppers are charred and soft and garlic is caramelized.
02 - Transfer roasted peppers to a bowl and cover with a plate or plastic wrap. Let steam for 10 minutes, then peel and deseed the peppers. Squeeze the roasted garlic from its skins.
03 - In a large pot, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
04 - Add roasted peppers, roasted garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and harissa paste. Stir well and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
06 - Use an immersion blender to purée until silky smooth. Alternatively, transfer soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with crème fraîche or yogurt and fresh herbs. Add crusty bread on the side if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Incredible smoky flavor from naturally charred vegetables.
  • Low-calorie and packed with vitamins while remaining luxuriously creamy.
  • Simple preparation with an impressive, restaurant-quality result.
02 -
  • Don't skip the steaming step; it is the secret to peeling peppers effortlessly.
  • Start with 1 teaspoon of harissa and taste before adding more, as heat levels vary by brand.
  • Leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and often taste better as the flavors meld.
Go Back