Warm up with a bowl of this flavorful and creamy roasted tomato and red pepper soup! This vegan and dairy-free soup is packed with the rich flavors of roasted tomatoes, red bell peppers, and aromatic herbs. It’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner. If you’re looking for a delicious way to enjoy fresh tomatoes and peppers, this is the best roasted tomato and red pepper soup recipe you’ll find!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Deep Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes and bell peppers intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth that’s simply irresistible.
- Vegan and Dairy-Free: Enjoy a creamy, luscious texture without any dairy products, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store or farmers’ market.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this soup comes together effortlessly, perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
Tips for Making the Best Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup
- Choose Ripe Tomatoes: For the most flavorful soup, use ripe, in-season tomatoes like Roma or vine-ripened varieties. Their natural sweetness shines through after roasting.
- Roast the Vegetables Properly: Wrapping the entire tray in aluminum foil helps the vegetables cook evenly and retain moisture. Removing the foil for the last 10 minutes allows them to caramelize and develop a deeper flavor.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, or omit it if you prefer a milder soup. You can also sprinkle in some smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Blend Carefully: Allow the roasted vegetables to cool slightly before blending. This ensures safety and helps you achieve the desired consistency—whether you like it smooth or with a bit of texture.
- Fresh Herbs Add Flavor: Incorporate fresh basil leaves when blending for a burst of freshness that complements the roasted flavors perfectly.
Recipe Variations
- Add Extra Creaminess: Stir in more plant-based cream like oat cream or coconut cream to make the soup even richer and creamier.
- Include Additional Vegetables: Roast other vegetables like carrots or zucchini along with the tomatoes and peppers for added nutrients and flavor complexity.
- Herb Swaps: Replace basil with fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herbal note.
- Protein Boost: Add a can of drained chickpeas or white beans to the blender for a protein-packed, heartier soup.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with slices of toasted sourdough or a rustic baguette to soak up every last drop.
- Garnishes: Top each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, a swirl of plant-based cream, and fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley.
- Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle with roasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or croutons for added texture.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags.
- Reheat: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to adjust the consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, if fresh tomatoes aren’t available, you can use canned whole tomatoes. Opt for fire-roasted canned tomatoes for the best flavor. Roast them along with the other vegetables to enhance their taste.
Is this roasted tomato and red pepper soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! The soup is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any accompaniments, like bread or toppings, are also gluten-free if needed.
What can I substitute for oat cream?
You can use other plant-based creams such as coconut cream, almond cream, or cashew cream. If you’re not following a vegan diet, regular dairy cream or half-and-half are suitable alternatives.
How can I make the soup spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeño to the roasting vegetables. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes when serving.
Ready to Make This Delicious Soup?
This creamy roasted tomato and red pepper soup is a delightful dish that’s sure to become a favorite. It’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup.
Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Blender or immersion blender
- Large Pot
- Aluminum foil (for covering garlic)
Ingredients
- 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
- 45 ml extra virgin olive oil divided (3 tablespoons)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 Pinch cayenne pepper optional
- Fine salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 480-720 ml vegetable broth 2-3 cups
- 240 ml oat cream or full-fat coconut cream 1 cup
- Extra olive oil and sourdough bread for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). 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.
- Roast the garlic: Cut off the top of the garlic heads, place them on the baking sheet with the vegetables.
- Roast the vegetables: Roast the vegetables and garlic in the oven for 40-50 minutes, until they are tender and slightly charred. Check halfway and give them a stir if needed. The garlic should be soft when you squeeze it.
- Blend the soup: Once roasted, carefully transfer the vegetables to a blender. Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the blender. Add 480-720 ml (2-3 cups) of vegetable broth. Blend until smooth.
- Simmer the soup: Pour the blended mixture into a pot over medium heat. Stir in 240 ml (1 cup) of oat cream or coconut cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of extra cream, olive oil, and serve with slices of toasted sourdough bread.
Notes
• You can substitute oat cream with full-fat coconut cream for a richer texture.
• Perfect for meal prepping, as this soup stores well in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Yummmmmmmmm I love these recipes 🥰
Made this exactly as written. It turned out DELICIOUS!
Thank you very much. Super easy also.
Fiz esta sopa hoje….deliciosa!