Roasted Red Bell Pepper Soup

By bweber

Ingredients

• 8 red bell peppers (about 2 3/4 pounds)
• 5 black peppercorns
• 3 thyme sprigs
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 cups diced onion (about 1 large)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Details

Preparation time 60mins
Cooking time 60mins

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat broiler.

Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand. Broil for 15 minutes or until blackened. Place in a zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand for 15 minutes. Peel and chop.

Place peppercorns, thyme, and bay leaf on a double layer of cheesecloth. Gather edges of cheesecloth together; tie securely.

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 15 minutes or until onion is lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add bell peppers, cheesecloth bag, broth, vinegar, and hot pepper sauce to pan. Increase heat to medium
high, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes. Remove and discard cheesecloth bag; stir in salt and black pepper. Place half of bell pepper mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to prevent splatters). Blend until smooth. Pour pureed mixture into a large bowl; repeat procedure with remaining soup.