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This roasted red pepper soup recipe features a rich, hearty blend of flavors that make it a top choice for meals any time of the year. Made with roasted red peppers, crushed tomatoes, and a medley of spices, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a warming and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup carrots, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 cup dry white wine (see notes)
20 oz. roasted red peppers, drained (two 10 oz. jars)
28 oz. crushed tomatoes
5 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon mustard powder
3/4 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pinch red pepper flakes

For Serving:

Parmesan cheese shavings
Croutons
Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

Caramelize the Vegetables:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and carrots, stirring to coat in butter. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the onions caramelize, about 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Reduce heat further if needed.
Build the Flavor Base:
- Add garlic, tomato paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, hot sauce, and all seasonings to the pot. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes over medium-low heat.
Deglaze the Pot:
- Pour in the white wine, increasing the heat to medium. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces by half, stirring frequently.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the roasted red peppers, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until silky.
Simmer to Perfection:
- Return the blended soup to the stove and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmer longer for a thicker, more concentrated soup.
Finish the Soup:
- Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream, if using. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated.
Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with croutons, Parmesan shavings, and freshly cracked black pepper as desired. Serve with garlic bread for an indulgent pairing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Comforting: The creamy texture and depth of flavor make this soup incredibly satisfying.
Versatile: Perfect as a main course or a starter, it pairs well with salads, sandwiches, or bread.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it an ideal recipe for any cook.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level, creaminess, or seasoning to suit your taste.

Tips

Caramelize Slowly: Taking time to caramelize the onions adds a deep, sweet flavor to the soup.
Blending Safely: If using a blender, let the soup cool slightly and blend in batches to avoid splatters.
Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with chicken broth or vegetable stock.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the Parmesan or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Extra Creamy: For an ultra-rich texture, increase the heavy cream to 3/4 cup.
Add Protein: Stir in shredded chicken or cooked sausage for a heartier meal.
Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for more heat.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The flavors deepen over time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use fresh red peppers instead of jarred?
A: Yes! Roast fresh red peppers in the oven until charred, peel off the skin, and use them in place of the jarred peppers.

Q: How can I make it dairy-free?
A: Skip the cream and Parmesan, or use dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the soup with crusty garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
For a festive touch, garnish with a drizzle of basil-infused oil or a dollop of sour cream.
Serve in bread bowls for an elegant presentation at gatherings.