Imagine a soup so rich and velvety that it transports you straight to the sun-drenched kitchens of Spain with just one bite. This Sweet Red Pepper Soup is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion waiting to tantalize your taste buds! Packed with the natural sweetness of red bell peppers and a hint of smoky paprika, this incredibly simple yet sophisticated dish will transform your meal from ordinary to extraordinary in just 35 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 red bell peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Wash and prepare the red bell peppers by removing seeds and stems, then chop them into roughly uniform pieces.
- Peel and finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves, ensuring they are uniformly cut for even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, allowing it to shimmer but not smoke.
- Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Introduce chopped red bell peppers to the pot and stir to combine with onions and garlic.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika over the vegetables and stir to distribute the spice evenly.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring all vegetables are mostly submerged.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until peppers are very tender.
- Remove pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting spices as needed.
- Ladle into serving bowls and optionally garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs.
Tips
- Choose the ripest, most vibrant red bell peppers for maximum sweetness and color.
- Don't rush the sautéing process—allowing onions and garlic to develop depth of flavor is crucial.
- Use an immersion blender for the smoothest texture, but a standard blender works too (blend in batches and be careful with hot liquid).
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add a bright, fresh note to the soup.
- This soup freezes beautifully—make a double batch and save some for later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 134kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
