There’s something magical about a warm bowl of soup. When the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, I often find myself gravitating toward comforting recipes that fill my kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. One of my most cherished go-to recipes is this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Soup. With its vibrant color and luscious texture, it’s truly a feast for the senses and a dish that brings everyone together around the table.

As a child, I often watched my grandmother prepare meals that filled our home with beautiful aromas. She always said that the kitchen is where love is served, and I couldn’t agree more. Inspired by her tales, I recreated this soup with a twist, blending together roasted red peppers, fresh basil, and a rich cream base to create something truly divine. Every bite transports me to the heart of her kitchen, surrounded by the people I love most, which is why I want to share this recipe with you.

Recipe Timing

Prep Duration: 10 minutes
Active Cooking: 25 minutes
Total Duration: 35 minutes
Portion Size: Serves 6
Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

Calories per portion: Approximately 380
Protein: 6 grams
Carbs: 22 grams
Fats: 32 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Sugars: 6 grams
Sodium: 400 mg

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

This soup is more than just vibrant and delicious. It’s a perfect balance of flavors—smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy, with the option to adjust the heat according to your preference. It’s creamy without being heavy and makes use of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in no time. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; serve it as an appetizer or dress it up as a meal with crusty bread and a side salad.

The Complete Cooking Journey

Let’s dive into the simple yet satisfying process of making this soup from start to finish.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup fresh basil leaves and tender stems
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or a generous pinch dried thyme
1 (14-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable stock or broth
½ cup dry, unoaked white wine (optional)
2 cups heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant milk of choice (almond, oat, etc.)
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season

Method:

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add diced onion and carrots, seasoning with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ground black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 2: Introducing Richness

Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste browns slightly and garlic is aromatic.

Step 3: Mixing in Fresh Ingredients

Add fresh basil, thyme, drained roasted red peppers, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and white wine if using. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.

Step 4: Simmering

Reduce heat to low and let simmer gently for 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Blending to Perfection

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth and creamy, adjusting to your preferred texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a stand blender, blending with the lid vent open, covered by a kitchen towel to avoid splatters. Return the blended soup to the pot.

Step 6: Creamy Finish

Stir in the cream, milk, or plant-based milk of choice. Warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.

Step 7: Final Assembly

Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with freshly cracked black pepper, extra crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves as desired. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty artisan bread or a homemade grilled cheese sandwich. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside a mixed green salad with a zingy vinaigrette. A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese on top can also elevate the flavor profile.

Storage & Leftovers Guide

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes brilliantly! Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container and it will keep for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

Fresh Herbs: Always use fresh herbs if you can; they significantly enhance the flavor.
Wine Variation: Feel free to omit the white wine; it’s delicious even without it.
Cream Choices: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a plant-based milk.
Blending Techniques: If using a stand blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending to prevent splatters!

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Add Vegetables: Experiment by adding in soft vegetables like zucchini or butternut squash for added nutrition.
Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chicken or lentils for extra protein.
Herb Swaps: Mix up the herbs by adding dill or oregano for a different flavor twist.

Reader Questions & Solutions

Q: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: Absolutely! Use plant milk like coconut or almond, and skip the cream and cheese garnishes.
Q: How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
A: Blend in some cooked potatoes or add a starch like cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.
Q: What can I do if I don’t have roasted red peppers?
A: You can roast fresh red bell peppers or use jarred ones that are packed in water.
Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can use cashew cream, coconut milk, or even Greek yogurt for a tangy finish.
Q: How can I adjust the spice level in this soup?
A: Simply reduce or eliminate the crushed red pepper flakes, or add more according to your taste preference!

Wrapping Up

Soup is love made visible, and this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Soup is no exception. It embodies warmth, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia that makes me feel at home, no matter where I am. I hope you give this recipe a try, savor each sip, and share it with those who mean the most to you. Happy cooking!