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This Roasted Red Pepper Soup is a comforting, vibrant dish that shines with natural sweetness from roasted peppers, the earthiness of carrots and celery, and a subtle kick from crushed red pepper.
It’s entirely plant-based, low in saturated fat, and packed with vegetables—making it a perfect light but satisfying meal.
The use of Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream, boosting the protein content and keeping the fat content in check.
With only 58 calories per serving, this soup is rich in fiber, vitamin A, and potassium, making it a fantastic option for those seeking a wholesome, low-calorie, and heart-healthy dish. It’s also quick to prepare (only 40 minutes total), ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Whether you serve it as a main or a starter, this soup delivers both nourishment and flavor in every spoonful.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick Immersion Blender
Achieve a smooth, velvety texture directly in your pot with this powerful immersion blender. Its ergonomic design and stainless-steel blade make blending hot soups effortless and safe—no messy transferring required. A must-have for any home chef who enjoys creamy soups or sauces.
All-Clad Stainless Steel Stockpot (6-Quart)
This heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution, essential for slowly simmering vegetables to bring out deep, rich flavors. Durable and versatile, it’s perfect for soups, stews, and large-batch cooking year-round.
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Peeler Set
Peeling carrots and prepping celery becomes quick and comfortable with this easy-to-grip peeler. Though not exclusive to this recipe, it’s indispensable for prepping produce efficiently in everyday cooking.
Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board
A reliable cutting surface is key for safe and easy chopping. This lightweight, non-porous board is knife-friendly and dishwasher-safe—perfect for prepping onions, garlic, and herbs.
Chef’s Knife – Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-Inch
Precision chopping of onions, celery, and herbs is made easy with this razor-sharp, well-balanced knife. It’s a staple tool that elevates your prep work with minimal effort.
Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Equipment
- 1 × Heavy-Bottom Pot (6-quart or similar)
- 1 × Immersion Blender
- 1 × Cutting Board
- 1 × Chef’s Knife
- 1 × Vegetable Peeler
Ingredients
- Ingredients List
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
- 3 ribs celery chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 jars 12 ounces each roasted red bell peppers, drained
- 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become slightly translucent.
- Season and Infuse Flavor: Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the minced garlic, fresh basil, and thyme. Stir for another 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the herbs begin to release their aroma.
- Incorporate the Roasted Ingredients: Add the drained roasted red peppers and crushed tomatoes (with their juice). Pour in the vegetable broth and stir well to combine. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer to Develop Depth: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to fully soften.
- Blend Until Smooth: Turn off the heat. Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until the texture is smooth and creamy. For an extra-silky finish, blend in batches using a countertop blender if preferred.
- Add Creaminess and Serve: Stir in the Greek yogurt until fully incorporated, giving the soup a luscious, creamy consistency without the need for heavy cream. Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze cooled soup in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
- Blending Tip: If using a countertop blender, allow the soup to cool slightly and blend in small batches to avoid steam build-up.
- Make It Vegan: Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream for a vegan-friendly version.
- Spice Level: Adjust the crushed red pepper to your preference for more or less heat.
Chef’s Secrets for Flavor Depth
Unlocking rich, balanced flavors in this roasted red pepper soup starts with careful layering.
Sautéing the classic mirepoix of onions, carrots, and celery until tender and translucent creates a natural sweetness and base depth.
Using jarred roasted red peppers saves time but make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid diluting your soup.
Fresh herbs like basil and thyme added early release fragrant oils that elevate the profile.
Simmering the soup for a full 30 minutes allows flavors to marry and deepen, producing a satisfying richness without heavy cream.
Lastly, blending the soup while still warm ensures a velvety texture.
Stirring in Greek yogurt at the end adds creamy tang without overpowering the roasted flavors, keeping the soup light yet indulgent.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests
This soup is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.
Serve it as a light first course alongside a crusty artisan bread or garlic toast to soak up every last drop.
For a heartier meal, pair with a fresh green salad topped with toasted nuts and a citrus vinaigrette to complement the soup’s sweetness.
Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving can add texture and a luxurious finish.
Garnishing with fresh basil leaves enhances both the visual appeal and the herbaceous notes, making every bowl a feast for the senses.
Storage Tips to Keep Freshness
Proper storage is key to maintaining the vibrant flavors and texture of this soup.
Refrigerate leftovers promptly in an airtight container to preserve freshness for up to five days.
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
This soup also freezes beautifully, making it a convenient meal prep option.
Cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags, then freeze for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly. Avoid refreezing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered Clearly
1. Can I use fresh red peppers instead of jarred?
Absolutely! Roasting fresh red peppers yourself intensifies flavor but requires more prep time. Roast under a broiler or over an open flame until charred, then peel before adding to the soup.
2. Is Greek yogurt necessary?
Greek yogurt adds creamy richness and protein with fewer calories and fat than cream. You can omit it or substitute with dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option, though it may change the soup’s texture slightly.
3. How spicy is the soup?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild warmth but are easily adjustable. Omit for no heat or increase if you prefer a spicier kick.
4. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup actually benefits from resting as flavors meld. Prepare a day ahead and refrigerate; reheat gently before serving.
5. What can I serve alongside this soup?
Try a fresh salad, grilled cheese sandwich, or roasted vegetables. The soup’s natural sweetness balances well with tangy, crunchy, or savory sides.
This recipe is inspired by feelgoodfoodie and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.