The other day I had friends over for dinner, and since it was raining, I wanted to serve a comforting meal like soup and sandwiches. The classic soup and sandwich combination is tomato soup and grilled cheese, but I was in the mood for something a little different, something like roasted red pepper soup and grilled cheese sandwiches with prosciutto (stay tuned for that recipe!). From Giada De Laurentiis
Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Ingredients
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
6 cups chicken broth
2 (12-ounce) jars roasted red bell peppers preserved in water, drained
1 russet potato, peeled and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
16 (3/4-inch thick) baguette slices, cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
Sriracha, optional for serving
Directions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, garlic, and thyme and saute until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the broth, bell peppers, potato, wine, and sugar. Bring to a simmer over high heat.
- Decrease the heat to medium-low. Partially cover and simmer until the potatoes are very tender, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Cool the soup slightly.
- Using an immersion hand blender, puree the soup in the pot until it is smooth. Alternately, working in batches, puree the soup in a regular blender, taking care while blending warm liquids. Season the soup, to taste, with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the bread cubes and saute until they are crisp and golden, about 8 minutes.
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Dollop a tablespoon of mascarpone in the center of each bowl and top with croutons. Sprinkle with pepper, drizzle decoratively with Sriracha, if desired, and serve.
Serves 8.
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