Soup Recipes

Bell Pepper Soup Recipe

Bell pepper soup is one of those dishes that manage to be both comforting and fresh at the same time. With its sweet, slightly tangy flavor, it’s like the perfect bridge between summer and fall. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or a light starter for a dinner gathering, this vibrant soup has you covered.

Bell peppers, often relegated to a supporting role in other dishes, get their well-deserved moment in the spotlight here. With their bright colors and crisp texture, they’re more than just eye candy-they bring a natural sweetness to the dish that plays beautifully with the other ingredients. Plus, bell peppers are packed with nutrients like Vitamin C and antioxidants, making this soup as healthy as it is tasty.

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If you’ve never tried making bell pepper soup before, you’re in for a treat. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, making it the perfect addition to your cooking repertoire.

Bell Pepper Soup Recipe

This bell pepper soup recipe is simple to follow, requiring just a few basic ingredients. The flavors come together effortlessly, and the result is a smooth, velvety bowl of soup that bursts with sweetness and depth. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s full of flavor yet incredibly easy to whip up, this is the one.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to make a delicious pot of bell pepper soup:

  • Bell Peppers (4 large-mix of red, yellow, or orange): These are the stars of the dish, providing both flavor and color. A mix of peppers ensures the soup has a balanced sweetness and richness.
  • Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds depth and savory sweetness to the soup base.
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic brings in an aromatic base that enhances the pepper’s natural flavor.
  • Carrot (1 medium, chopped): Adds a touch of earthiness and sweetness to balance the peppers.
  • Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Provides a tangy, rich flavor that complements the peppers and intensifies the overall depth of the soup.
  • Vegetable Broth (4 cups): Keeps the soup light and vegan-friendly. You can substitute chicken broth if you prefer a heartier base.
  • Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the vegetables and adding a layer of richness.
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste): Simple but essential for seasoning.
  • Fresh Herbs (such as basil or thyme, optional): For a fresh touch of herbal flavor that pairs wonderfully with bell peppers.
  • Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk (optional, 1/4 cup): To add creaminess and smoothness to the texture. You can skip this for a lighter version.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of preparing this vibrant soup.

  1. Prepare The Vegetables

    • Wash and chop the bell peppers into chunks, discarding the seeds and stems.
    • Peel and chop the carrot into small pieces, and finely chop the onion and garlic.

  2. Sauté The Base

    • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
    • Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

  3. Cook The Vegetables

    • Add the bell peppers and carrots to the pot, stirring to combine.
    • Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their juices.
    • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

  4. Add Broth

    • Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure the vegetables are fully submerged.
    • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and soft.

  5. Blend The Soup

    • Once the vegetables are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until creamy.
    • Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

  6. Add Cream (Optional)

    • If you’re using heavy cream or coconut milk, stir it in now to add richness and creaminess to the soup.

  7. Garnish And Serve

    • Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added freshness.
    • Serve with crusty bread or a sprinkle of croutons for an extra crunch.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down the key ingredients and why they matter:

  • Bell Peppers: These provide the sweet, slightly tangy flavor that is the essence of the soup. Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are naturally sweeter than green peppers, so they create a smoother, more delicate flavor profile. They’re also loaded with Vitamin C-helping boost your immune system!
  • Onions and Garlic: Both are foundational aromatics that build the savory base of the soup. They caramelize when sautéed, releasing natural sugars and flavors that complement the sweetness of the peppers. Plus, they add a depth that balances out the overall taste.
  • Carrots: Not only do they bring a gentle sweetness, but they also contribute a subtle earthiness that prevents the soup from tasting too one-dimensional.
  • Tomato Paste: A little goes a long way in intensifying the flavor. It adds an underlying umami quality that rounds out the sweetness of the peppers and helps deepen the flavor profile.
  • Vegetable Broth: A neutral, yet flavorful liquid base for the soup. It’s light, but it ensures the soup doesn’t become too thick or creamy. You can substitute this with chicken broth for a richer taste.

Expert Tips

  • Roast the Peppers: For a more complex flavor, you can roast the bell peppers before adding them to the soup. This will bring out their natural sugars and add a smokier, richer taste.
  • Add Spice: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of chili powder, or even a fresh jalapeño to the soup to give it a kick.
  • Balance the Acidity: If you find the soup too acidic, a small teaspoon of sugar can help balance things out, making the sweet bell peppers shine through even more.
  • Texture Variations: If you prefer a chunkier texture, don’t blend the soup all the way-leave some pieces of bell pepper and carrot for added bite. Alternatively, you could add roasted vegetables as a garnish to provide more texture.

Recipe Variations

  • Spicy Bell Pepper Soup: Add some heat with a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the soup a spicy kick. You can also add a swirl of hot sauce to each bowl for extra flavor.
  • Bell Pepper and Tomato Soup: For a more traditional combination, add in some fresh or canned tomatoes. Blend them with the bell peppers for a heartier soup with a touch of tanginess.
  • Vegan Version: Simply omit the heavy cream and use coconut milk for a creamy texture that’s dairy-free. You could also use almond milk, but coconut milk offers a richer taste.
  • Roasted Pepper Soup: For a more smoky flavor, roast the bell peppers first in the oven at 400°F for 25 minutes. Then peel off the skins before adding them to the soup.
  • Add Protein: For a more filling soup, you could add grilled chicken, beans, or even tofu cubes. This would turn your soup into a full meal!

Final Words

Bell pepper soup isn’t just a dish-it’s a celebration of one of the most colorful and nutrient-packed vegetables out there. Whether you prefer it smooth and creamy or with a little added spice, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to all tastes. The balance of sweet bell peppers, savory onions, and earthy carrots creates a rich, flavorful bowl of comfort that you’ll want to come back to again and again.

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