Roasted Red Pepper Soup (Printable)

Silky Mediterranean soup with roasted peppers, garlic, and harissa spice.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 large red bell peppers
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
04 - 1 head garlic
05 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced

→ Pantry

06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
07 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
08 - 1½ teaspoons harissa paste
09 - 4 cups vegetable broth
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

12 - ¼ cup crème fraîche or plain Greek yogurt
13 - Fresh cilantro or parsley leaves
14 - Crusty bread for serving

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F.
02 - Cut the red peppers in half and remove seeds and membranes. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and place on the baking sheet.
03 - Roast for 25–30 minutes until the pepper skins are charred and blistered. Remove and let cool completely.
04 - Once cooled, peel the skins off the peppers and squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins.
05 - In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and potato, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until softened.
06 - Stir in tomato paste and harissa, cooking for 1 minute to combine.
07 - Add roasted peppers, roasted garlic, smoked paprika, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
08 - Purée the soup in batches using a blender or with an immersion blender until silky smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
09 - Ladle into bowls, swirl with crème fraîche or yogurt, and garnish with fresh herbs as desired. Serve with crusty bread.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • The roasted garlic becomes sweet and mellow, creating depth without any sharp bite
  • Harissa adds just enough warmth to make you feel hugged from the inside out
  • It comes together quickly but tastes like something simmered all day
02 -
  • The soup thickens as it cools, so if reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up
  • Blending hot soup requires caution, never fill your blender more than halfway and vent the lid slightly
03 -
  • If your peppers arent charring enough, turn on the broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes of roasting
  • Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easier cleanup and fewer dishes to wash
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