Indulge your senses with a bowl of vibrant Tomato Basil Red Pepper Soup, a delightful Italian classic that’s as comforting as it is delicious! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering, taking just 35 minutes from prep to table. Imagine the rich aroma of sautéed onions and sweet red peppers wafting through your kitchen, drawing everyone in for a taste of this savory goodness. With fresh ingredients and a burst of flavor in every spoonful, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 3 cups diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion and red bell peppers, and dice the tomatoes if you are using whole tomatoes. Rinse and chop the fresh basil, and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the chopped red bell peppers to the pot and continue to sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- After the bell peppers have softened, add the diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- After simmering, remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, but be cautious of the hot liquid.
- Once blended, return the soup to low heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the Tomato Basil Red Pepper Soup hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can whip up the soup even quicker on a busy day!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh tomatoes and basil. If using canned tomatoes, choose high-quality ones for a richer taste.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of the mixture and leave the rest as is. This adds texture and enhances the overall experience.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat in your soup!
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your soup by garnishing with a swirl of cream, croutons, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Pair Perfectly: Serve your soup with crusty bread or a fresh side salad to create a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
