Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Name: Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 28 oz Crushed tomatoes (one can); 12 oz Roasted red peppers (jarred, drained (about 1.5 cups)); 4 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil (divided); 1 large Yellow onion (diced); 5 cloves Garlic (sliced); 2 cups Vegetable broth; 0.5 cup Fresh basil (torn, plus more for garnish); 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar; 1 tsp Sugar (to balance acidity); 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper; 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)

Silky smooth soup with the sweetness of roasted peppers and the brightness of tomatoes. Garlic and basil round out this Mediterranean classic.

vegetarian vegan gluten free dairy free

More Recipes

Prep 15 min

Cook 35 min

Total 50 min

Servings 6

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Instructions

Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 6-8 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes, roasted peppers, broth, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat. Add basil.
Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender (work in batches, careful with hot liquid).

Tip: For silkier texture, pass through a fine mesh strainer after blending.
Return to heat. Stir in balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve drizzled with remaining olive oil, extra basil, and red pepper flakes if using.

Storage & Meal Prep

Keeps for up to 5 days in the refrigerator and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a fresh drizzle of olive oil and basil before serving.

Variations

Creamy Tomato Red Pepper Soup: Stir in 1/4 cup coconut cream or Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier version.
Spicy Red Pepper Soup: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne or 1 tsp harissa for a warming, spicy kick.
Tomato Red Pepper Soup with Grilled Cheese: Serve with grilled halloumi or a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.

FAQ

Can you use jarred roasted peppers for soup?

Yes—jarred roasted red peppers work perfectly and save significant time. Drain them well before using. They provide the same sweet, smoky flavor as home-roasted peppers.

How do you make tomato soup smooth?

Blend the cooked soup with an immersion blender until completely smooth. For the silkiest texture, pass through a fine-mesh strainer. Adding a splash of olive oil while blending also improves smoothness.

Can you freeze tomato soup?

Yes—tomato soup is one of the best soups for freezing. It maintains its texture and flavor perfectly for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

The Story Behind This Dish

This soup walks the line between comfort food and something you’d be proud to serve guests.

The roasted red peppers add sweetness and depth that elevates basic tomato soup into something more complex. A touch of balsamic vinegar at the end brightens everything.