Imagine curling up on a chilly evening with a bowl of Creamy Tomato Bisque with Roasted Bell Peppers. This velvety soup is not only comforting but also bursting with flavor. The combination of roasted bell peppers and fresh tomatoes creates a depth that elevates this dish from simple to extraordinary. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a light lunch, this bisque pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a gourmet sandwich. Let’s dive into this deliciously creamy recipe that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

What makes this Creamy Tomato Bisque with Roasted Bell Peppers truly special is the addition of roasted bell peppers. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the acidity of tomatoes. Moreover, the use of fresh cherry tomatoes adds a burst of flavor, while the heavy cream brings a luscious texture that makes each spoonful irresistibly creamy. This soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience.

Shopping List

To prepare this delightful bisque, gather these ingredients:

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 pound cherry tomatoes
1 red bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried basil
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups veggie broth or chicken broth
14 ounces crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 cup heavy cream

Tools of the Trade

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, you’ll need:

Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup and combining all the ingredients.
Blender: For achieving that silky-smooth texture.
Cutting board and knife: Essential for chopping your vegetables.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and combining flavors.

Make Creamy Tomato Bisque with Roasted Bell Peppers: A Simple Method

Step 1: Roast the Bell Pepper

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the red bell pepper on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Roast for about 20-25 minutes or until the skin is blistered and charred. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool. Once cooled, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and chop it into small pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Next, add the cherry tomatoes, roasted red bell pepper, kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, and dried basil to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to burst and release their juices.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Add the veggie broth or chicken broth and the crushed tomatoes to the mixture. Stir in the white sugar, which helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Once the soup has simmered, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Just make sure to let it cool slightly before blending to avoid any hot splashes.

Step 6: Add the Cream

After blending, return the soup to the pot if you used a regular blender. Stir in the heavy cream and heat the soup over low heat until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the Creamy Tomato Bisque with Roasted Bell Peppers into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve hot with your favorite bread or a delicious sandwich.

Budget & Availability Swaps

If you’re looking to adjust the recipe based on availability or budget, consider the following swaps:

Cherry tomatoes can be replaced with canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones are not available.
Use any color bell pepper if red is not available; yellow or orange peppers will work well.
Heavy cream can be substituted with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Vegetable broth can be swapped with water and additional seasonings if you’re on a budget.

Flavor Logic

The flavors in this Creamy Tomato Bisque with Roasted Bell Peppers come from a thoughtful combination of ingredients:

Roasting the bell pepper enhances its sweetness and adds a smoky touch.
Cherry tomatoes provide a fresh and vibrant flavor, contrasting beautifully with the creamy base.
Herbs and spices like dried basil and paprika contribute depth and warmth to the soup.
Heavy cream creates a luxurious mouthfeel, making the bisque truly indulgent.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This Creamy Tomato Bisque with Roasted Bell Peppers is perfect for meal prep. Here are some tips for making it ahead of time:

Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just be sure to leave out the cream before freezing, as it can separate during thawing. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup and stir in the cream before enjoying.

Quick Q&A

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative to make this soup vegan-friendly.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned tomatoes can be used in place of fresh cherry tomatoes. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as canned tomatoes can vary in sweetness and acidity.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If the soup is thinner than desired, you can simmer it longer to evaporate some of the liquid or blend in a small amount of cooked potato or a cornstarch slurry to thicken it.

What can I serve with this bisque?

This bisque pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, including grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty baguettes, or even Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup for a heartier meal.

Elevate your dining experience by serving your alongside:

Time to Try It

Now that you have all the knowledge and tools to create this amazing Creamy Tomato Bisque with Roasted Bell Peppers, it’s time to get cooking! Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dish that’s sure to impress. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup is destined to become a favorite in your household!

Each bowl of this bisque is not only a comfort food classic but also a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and don’t forget to share your creations!

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