Quick and easy roasted red pepper and basil soup recipe
One of the most popular recipes I've published on The Perfect Pantry features penne pasta tossed with red pepper pesto, made with roasted red peppers. With the young basil plants in my herb garden ready for their first big trim, it seemed the perfect time to adapt the some of the pesto flavors to a soup. I used a can of piquillo peppers, because I always have them in the pantry and because I think they have great richness. For this vegetarian soup, use any good quality store-bought roasted red peppers. And the best thing? No cooking involved.
Quick and easy roasted red pepper and basil soup
Serves 4-6 as a first course; can be doubled.
Ingredients
14 oz roasted red peppers (I like piquillo peppers) -- do not drain
1 tsp tomato paste
1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
6-8 large basil leaves
1 tsp honey
1 tsp balsamic vinegar, or to taste
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves or finely chopped cucumber, for garnish
Directions
Pour the peppers with the oil from the can or jar into a blender or food processor, and process for 15 seconds until the peppers break down. Add the tomato paste, garlic, basil and honey, and process until everything is combined and smooth. Add vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, and blend for a few seconds to mix. The soup will be fairly thick. If you'd like a thinner soup, add a few tablespoons of water.
Serve the soup at room temperature, or chill until ready to serve. If you chill the soup, it will thicken, so stir well and add a little bit of water as needed.
Mmmm, yummy. Will have to try. I created a simple red pepper soup recipe, but this sounds great.
My next door neighbor (to whom I supply pesto) just put a pot of basil on my front steps. How fortuitous! Now all I need is a jar of red peppers. Hadn't thought of using jarred ... Yum.
Sounds delicious. I'm always looking for new ways to use fresh basil; love the flavor of it.
I'm fascinated by this soup---never had anything like it, but am eager to try!
Jo, how was your soup different from this one?
Heidi, red peppers in a jar are perfect for this dish, especially if you're in a hurry. And it sounds like you have a really nice neighbor!
Kalyn, this soup has a fresh taste and amazing color.
Sandie, it's different, and yet familiar. I think you'd like it.
This is simply perfect timing! I was cleaning out/organizing my pantry in anticipation of taking photographs for your "perfect pantry" feature, and I came across a jar of roasted red peppers that I had completely forgotten. And now I know exactly what I'm going to do with them. Thank you!