Knorr's Velvety Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup: A Cozy Recipe

Coziness in a bowl

Red peppers and tomatoes. A pairing for soup doesn’t get much better. You’ll find as much delight in your bowl as you will comfort, but before we get into how to make it, let’s take a look at everything you’ll need to put it together and what each element brings to the bowl:

• Red Bell Peppers: The Sweet & Smoky Star – Red bell peppers are the undisputed star of this soup. Roasting them intensifies their natural sweetness and imparts a wonderful, subtle smoky depth that forms the flavour foundation of our dish.

• Juicy Tomatoes: The Rich & Hearty Base – Ripe and juicy tomatoes are essential for creating the soup's rich, hearty base. Their natural acidity and vibrant flavour provide a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the peppers.

• Aromatic Onions & Garlic: Savoury Depth – Finely chopped onions and minced garlic are key aromatics that build a foundational savoury depth. Sautéing them gently releases their fragrance and adds a wonderful layer of complexity to the overall flavour profile of the soup.

• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: The Liquid Foundation – Whether you choose a rich vegetable broth or a savoury chicken broth, this liquid base is essential for bringing all the ingredients together and achieving the perfect soup consistency.

• Seasonings: Salt, Pepper & Complementary Herbs – Essential seasonings include salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavours. Complementary herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano are crucial for harmonizing the sweetness of the roasted peppers and the natural tanginess of the tomatoes.

• Olive Oil: For Roasting, Sautéing & Richness – Good quality olive oil is indispensable. It's crucial for achieving perfectly roasted peppers, sautéing the aromatic vegetables, and lending the entire soup a luxurious, velvety richness.

• Optional Cream: For Extra Velvety Smoothness – For an extra touch of indulgence and a truly velvety smooth texture, a splash of cream can be added. However, this is entirely optional and the soup is delicious without it.

Ingredients and step-by-step method

Step 1: Roast the Red Peppers to Perfection

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Prepare Peppers: Halve the red bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
3. Roast: Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the skins are nicely charred and blistered.
4. Steam: Carefully transfer the hot peppers into a covered bowl or a sealed plastic bag. Let them steam for about 15 minutes. This makes peeling much easier.
5. Peel & Chop: Once cooled enough to handle, peel off the charred skins, remove any remaining seeds, and chop the tender roasted peppers into small, manageable pieces.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, translucent, and wonderfully aromatic.

Step 3: Combine Tomatoes and Roasted Peppers

3. Add Main Ingredients: Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers and your ripe, juicy tomatoes (you can use whole cherry tomatoes or chopped larger tomatoes). Stir everything together well to combine the flavours.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Seasonings

4. Add Liquid & Season: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring it covers the ingredients. Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and your chosen herbs (basil, thyme, or oregano).

5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This crucial simmering time allows all the wonderful flavours to meld together beautifully and the soup to thicken naturally.

Step 5: Blend to Velvety Smoothness

5. Blend: Carefully use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer the soup in batches to a stand blender (be very cautious as the mixture is hot!). Blend until the soup is completely smooth and luxuriously creamy.

6. Optional Cream: For an even richer, creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream at this stage.

7. Serve: Ladle the hot, velvety soup into bowls and enjoy!

Perfect Pairings for Your Velvety Soup

A bowl of this Velvety Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup is a delight on its own, but serving it with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal from delicious to truly memorable. Here are some brilliant pairings that will make your soup experience even more enjoyable:

• Crusty Bread or Croutons
  • Crusty Bread: A slice of artisanal crusty bread or a warm, buttered baguette is a classic and satisfying companion.
  • Croutons: For an added textural contrast, scatter some homemade or store-bought croutons over the soup.

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The ultimate comfort food pairing! The gooey, melted cheese perfectly complements the rich, velvety soup, creating a match made in heaven.

• Light & Refreshing Salad
  • Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a tangy dressing offers a delightful contrast to the rich, silky soup, making for a balanced and light meal.

• Herby Bruschetta 
  • Bruschetta: The vibrant, herby freshness of classic bruschetta beautifully complements the deep flavours of the roasted pepper and tomato soup.

• Avocado Toast with a Kick
  • Avocado Toast: Topped with a sprinkle of sea salt and red pepper flakes, avocado toast adds a creamy texture and a hint of spice that pairs wonderfully with the soup.

• Cheese and Charcuterie Board
  • Cheese and Charcuterie: An elegant assortment of cheeses and cured meats provides a delightful array of savouriness, diverse flavours, and interesting textures to accompany your soup.

• Grilled Chicken or Shrimp
  • Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: For a heartier meal, serving the soup alongside grilled chicken or shrimp offers a wonderful interplay of different textures and complementary flavours.

• Quiche for Brunch or Lunch
  • Quiche: A slice of quiche makes for a perfect, satisfying pairing, ideal for a delightful brunch or a light lunch.