Creamy Red Pepper Tomato Soup – Rich, Comforting, and Packed with Flavor
A steaming bowl of Creamy Red Pepper Tomato Soup can instantly transform an ordinary day into something warm and comforting. The natural sweetness of roasted red peppers blends beautifully with the bright acidity of tomatoes, creating a silky-smooth soup that feels both cozy and refreshing. Each spoonful delivers layers of flavor—smoky, tangy, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced with aromatic herbs and a touch of creaminess.
Many people search for a soup that tastes gourmet but doesn’t require complicated steps, and this recipe checks every box. Fresh vegetables simmer gently with garlic, onion, and broth before being blended into a velvety base. With a splash of coconut milk or cream, the texture becomes rich without feeling heavy. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weekday meal, a prep-ahead lunch, or the first course of a special dinner, Creamy Red Pepper Tomato Soup brings restaurant-quality taste right to your table.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted red peppers | 3 whole (or 1 jar, drained) | 60 kcal |
| Tomatoes (fresh or canned) | 3 cups | 70 kcal |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped | 45 kcal |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced | 20 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 kcal |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups | 40 kcal |
| Coconut milk or heavy cream | 1/2 cup | 200 kcal |
| Salt | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | To taste | 5 kcal |
| Basil or parsley | For garnish | 5 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and roughly chop the tomatoes if using fresh ones.
- If using jarred roasted red peppers, drain and pat dry. If roasting your own, roast until skins are charred, then peel.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté for 3–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Add Red Peppers and Tomatoes
- Stir in the roasted red peppers and tomatoes.
- Cook for 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Pour in Broth and Simmer
- Add vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes.
5. Blend Until Smooth
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until creamy.
- Or blend in batches using a traditional blender.
6. Add Creaminess
- Stir in coconut milk or heavy cream for added richness.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Serve
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, parsley, croutons, or a swirl of cream.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- For extra smokiness: Add smoked paprika or roasted garlic.
- For a spicy kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- To make it lighter: Swap coconut milk or cream for almond milk.
- Add protein: Serve with chickpeas, white beans, or cooked pasta.
- Boost nutrients: Add carrots, celery, or spinach while simmering.
- For a richer flavor: Roast your own red peppers instead of using jarred ones.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 9g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty garlic bread, grilled cheese, or toasted sourdough.
- Top with fresh basil, croutons, or parmesan flakes.
- Pair with a fresh salad for a light but filling meal.
- Great starter for pasta dinners or holiday gatherings.
Creamy Red Pepper Tomato Soup – Rich, Comforting, and Packed with Flavor
Course: Recipes4
servings10
minutes25
minutes300
kcalIngredients
2 red bell peppers, roasted or jarred
3 large tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can crushed tomatoes)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions
- Sauté aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a pot. Add onion and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes & peppers:
- Add chopped tomatoes and roasted red peppers to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes to soften.
- Season:
- Stir in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add broth & simmer:
- Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend:
- Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth (or carefully blend in batches).
- Add creaminess:
- Stir in coconut milk or heavy cream. Simmer an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or a swirl of cream.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Roasting adds depth:
For a richer, smoky flavor, roast the red peppers and tomatoes in the oven until lightly charred before adding them to the soup.
Use canned tomatoes for convenience:
If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned crushed or diced tomatoes work perfectly and add consistent flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use jarred roasted red peppers instead of fresh ones?
Yes! Jarred roasted red peppers work perfectly and save a lot of time. Just drain them well before adding them to the soup.
2. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace heavy cream with coconut milk, almond milk, or any non-dairy cream alternative. The soup will still be rich and creamy.
3. How can I make the soup thicker?
Simmer the soup longer to reduce the liquid, or add a small boiled potato or 1/2 cup cooked white beans before blending.
4. Can I freeze Creamy Red Pepper Tomato Soup?
Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just cool it completely, store it in airtight containers, and thaw before reheating.
5. How long does the soup last in the refrigerator?
It stays fresh for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Creamy Red Pepper Tomato Soup brings together the perfect blend of roasted peppers, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic herbs to create a smooth and flavorful dish. Its bright color, rich texture, and balanced taste make it a standout choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can prepare this nourishing, comforting soup at home. Whether you prefer it slightly spicy, extra creamy, or packed with herbs, this recipe offers endless customization while staying delicious every time.
