Imagine a soup so vibrant and luxurious that it turns an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience. This Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Fennel Soup is not just another recipe—it's a culinary journey that combines the smoky sweetness of roasted peppers, the rich depth of fresh tomatoes, and the delicate anise-like flavor of fennel, all crowned with creamy goat cheese. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food lover, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and tantalize your taste buds with every spoonful.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 roasted red peppers, chopped
- 4 fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 bulb fennel, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 oz goat cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If roasted red peppers are not pre-prepared, place whole red peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally until skin is charred and blistered.
- While peppers are roasting, heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and fennel, sautéing until vegetables become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- If roasting peppers, once charred, place in a covered bowl to steam for 10 minutes. Then peel off skin, remove seeds, and chop.
- Add chopped roasted red peppers, fresh tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat and let soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to become tender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Ladle soup into bowls and crumble fresh goat cheese on top as a garnish.
- Optional: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Roast Your Peppers with Care: Take time to properly roast peppers, ensuring a deep, smoky flavor. The charring process is key to developing complex taste.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Allow onions and fennel to caramelize slowly, which builds a rich flavor foundation for your soup.
- Blending Technique Matters: When pureeing, work in batches if using a standard blender, and always remove the center lid piece and cover with a towel to allow steam to escape and prevent splashing.
- Cheese Temperature Tip: Let goat cheese come to room temperature before crumbling for the best texture and flavor distribution.
- Customize Your Garnish: Experiment with additional toppings like fresh herbs, a drizzle of good olive oil, or toasted pine nuts to add extra layers of flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
