Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

This Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping, this vegan soup combines roasted tomatoes, sweet red peppers, and aromatic garlic for a rich taste experience. Its creamy texture, enhanced by oat cream, makes it a standout dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, this soup is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup packs a flavorful punch that keeps you satisfied, making it great for lunch or dinner.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip up this delicious soup in under an hour.
• Versatile Ingredients: The recipe allows for customization; you can adjust the spices or pair it with your favorite bread.
• Nutritious: Packed with vitamins from the vegetables, this soup is not only delicious but also good for your health.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup efficiently, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Blender
• Pot
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting vegetables evenly, allowing them to caramelize beautifully.
• Blender: Creates a smooth consistency in your soup, blending all the flavors seamlessly.
• Pot: Necessary for simmering the blended mixture with the cream to develop rich flavors.

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 1 kg tomatoes of choice (about 2.2 pounds)
• 3 red bell peppers (about 450 g / 1 pound, seeded and quartered)
• 2 onions (cut into wedges or halves)
• 2 heads of garlic

Seasoning and Oils

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
• Fine salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Liquids

• 2-3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup oat cream or full-fat coconut cream

Garnish

• Extra olive oil
• Sourdough bread for serving

How to Make Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures that your vegetables roast evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Place the tomatoes, red bell peppers, and onions on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of olive oil. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Roast the Garlic

Cut off the top of the garlic heads and place them on the baking sheet alongside the other vegetables.

Step 4: Roast the Vegetables

Roast everything in the oven for 40-50 minutes until tender and slightly charred. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting. The garlic should be soft enough to squeeze out.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Carefully transfer all roasted vegetables to a blender. Squeeze out roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the blender as well. Add between 480-720 ml (2-3 cups) of vegetable broth based on desired thickness. Blend until smooth.

Step 6: Simmer the Soup

Pour your blended mixture into a pot over medium heat. Stir in 240 ml (1 cup) of oat cream or coconut cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer while tasting to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your delicious soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a drizzle of extra cream, olive oil, and serve alongside toasted sourdough bread for dipping.

This comforting Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

This Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are a few serving suggestions to make the most out of this creamy delight.

With Fresh Basil

• Add a handful of fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of flavor and color that complements the soup perfectly.

Drizzled with Oat Cream

• A drizzle of oat cream adds an extra layer of creaminess, making each spoonful even more satisfying.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of toasted sourdough or your favorite crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Topped with Croutons

• Homemade croutons provide a delightful crunch. Simply cube bread, toss with olive oil, and bake until golden.

Garnished with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the taste and gives a rich finish to the soup.

How to Perfect Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

To ensure your Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose ripe tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes will give your soup a naturally sweet flavor and rich color.
• Roast thoroughly: Make sure to roast the vegetables until they are well caramelized; this adds depth to the flavor.
• Blend for smoothness: For a velvety texture, blend the soup thoroughly until completely smooth, adding broth gradually.
• Adjust seasoning: Always taste before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or cayenne according to your preference.
• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for added complexity in flavor.
• Cool before storing: If you have leftovers, cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container for storage.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

Pairing your Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that adds gooey comfort alongside your soup.
2. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with rice or quinoa, they make a hearty addition that matches beautifully.
3. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
4. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
5. Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables add nutrition and vibrant colors to your meal.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed salad made with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers enhances both taste and health benefits.
7. Savory Scones: Cheese or herb scones provide a delightful texture alongside the smooth soup.
8. Vegetable Spring Rolls: These fresh rolls filled with crunchy veggies offer a light and crispy option that balances the soup’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance the final dish.

• Bold preparation of ingredients: Not chopping vegetables uniformly can lead to uneven roasting. Ensure all pieces are similar in size for consistent cooking.
• Bold ignoring seasoning: Overlooking the importance of seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
• Bold skipping the roasting step: Roasting enhances flavors. Don’t skip this step; it’s crucial for developing a rich, deep taste in your soup.
• Bold blending too quickly: Blending hot ingredients too fast can cause splatters. Allow them to cool slightly or blend in batches at a lower speed.
• Bold not adjusting creaminess: If your soup is too thick, don’t hesitate to add more vegetable broth until you achieve your desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

• Freeze in single servings or family-sized portions using freezer-safe containers.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and heat the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup.

What is Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup?

Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup is a creamy vegan dish made from roasted tomatoes, red bell peppers, garlic, and seasoned with herbs.

Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Yes! You can use any variety of tomatoes such as Roma, vine-ripened, or cherry tomatoes for this recipe.

How do I thicken my Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup?

If you want a thicker consistency, try adding more oat cream or reduce the amount of broth used while blending.

Is there a way to make this soup spicier?

Absolutely! You can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking for extra heat.

Can I customize my Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery before roasting for added nutrition and flavor depth.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup combines rich flavors with creamy texture, making it an appealing choice for various occasions. Its versatility allows for many customization options based on personal taste preferences. Give it a try; you might find it becomes one of your go-to recipes!