Red Pepper and Tomato Soup: A Vibrant and Flavorful Recipe

This vibrant red pepper and tomato soup recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a light lunch. It's packed with flavor, relatively easy to make, and boasts a beautiful, rich color. This guide will walk you through creating this delicious soup from start to finish, optimizing it for both taste and search engine visibility.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe serves 4-6 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.

• 1 tbsp olive oil: Provides healthy fats and a base for sautéing.
• 1 large red onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and chopped: The star of the show! Provides sweetness and vibrant color.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the savory notes.
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes: Forms the base of the soup. Look for high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
• 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds texture and extra tomato flavor.
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor): Provides the soup's liquid base.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the peppers and tomatoes.
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Provides an earthy and herbaceous note.
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who like it spicy.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch. A swirl of cream or a dollop of crème fraîche is also a delicious garnish option.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Peppers: Stir in the chopped red bell peppers and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened.

3. Combine the Tomatoes and Broth: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.

4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to 45 minutes, for a richer, deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.

5. Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, carefully transfer the soup to a blender (in batches if necessary) and blend until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.

6. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a swirl of cream or crème fraîche, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Roasted Peppers: For a deeper, smokier flavor, roast the red bell peppers before adding them to the soup.
• Different Spices: Experiment with other spices such as cumin, chili powder, or thyme.
• Add Protein: Include cooked lentils, chickpeas, or white beans for a heartier soup.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream for extra creaminess.
• Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.

SEO Optimization Considerations:

This recipe post is optimized for relevant keywords such as "red pepper soup recipe," "tomato soup recipe," "red pepper and tomato soup," "easy soup recipe," "vegan soup recipe" (if using vegetable broth), and "comfort food recipe." The use of headings (H2, H3) improves readability and helps search engines understand the content structure. The inclusion of variations and tips expands the keyword relevance and caters to a broader audience. Remember to promote this blog post through social media and other online channels to increase its visibility.

This comprehensive guide ensures your delicious red pepper and tomato soup recipe gets the attention it deserves! Enjoy!