Roasted Red Pepper Soup (Print Version)

Silky roasted red pepper soup with caramelized garlic and gentle harissa heat. Ready in under an hour.

# 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

# Directions:

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 roasted garlic from its skins.
03 - In a large pot, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring, 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, or transfer soup in batches to a countertop blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with crème fraîche or yogurt and fresh herbs. Serve with crusty bread on the side if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Vibrant and Silky: A smooth texture that feels indulgent while staying light.
  • Complex Flavors: Roasting the vegetables creates a depth that raw ingredients can't match.
  • Versatile: Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary needs.
  • Quick Prep: Most of the time is spent hands-off while the vegetables roast.
02 -
  • Steam the peppers: Covering the roasted peppers while they are hot is essential for easy peeling.
  • Spice Level: Add the harissa paste one teaspoon at a time to ensure the heat level is to your liking.
  • Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight.
  • Allergens: Always check harissa paste and broth labels for hidden allergens; use gluten-free bread if required.
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