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 🥰
Awesome soup
Made this exactly as written. It turned out DELICIOUS!
Thank you very much. Super easy also.
Fiz esta sopa hoje….deliciosa!
Very very good! Thank you forbthis wonderful recipe. 😘
Looks delicious and would like to make but…looks like he threw in some fresh basil in video, but not in recipe. Basil or no basil?
Do you need to take the seeds out of the tomatoes?