Ina Garten’s Cozy Red Pepper Soup Recipe: Homemade Magic

Roasted red pepper soup emerges as a culinary symphony that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Blazing with vibrant colors and smoky whispers, this soup dances across your taste buds with unexpected depth.

Each spoonful tells a story of carefully charred peppers melding into a velvety embrace of flavor.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings weave magic through simple vegetables, creating a luxurious texture that defies expectations.

Home cooks will fall in love with this recipe’s ability to turn weeknight dinners into gourmet moments.

Tantalizing aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising comfort and excitement in equal measure.

This soup isn’t just a meal, it’s an edible masterpiece waiting to seduce your senses and elevate your dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

What to Use for Ina Garten Roasted Red Pepper Soup

• Potatoes: Choose firm, waxy potatoes for a creamy texture that holds shape well.
• Celery: Select crisp, bright green stalks with fresh, clean aroma.
• Shallots: Pick firm, smooth shallots without soft spots or sprouting.
• Salt: Use sea salt or kosher salt for enhanced flavor depth.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides more vibrant taste.

• Roasted Red Peppers: Look for jarred peppers with rich, smoky color.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Select plump, deep red tomatoes without excessive dryness.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium versions to control salt content.
• Water: Use filtered water for cleaner taste profile.

• Sour Cream: Choose full-fat version for richer, silkier consistency.
• Fresh Cilantro: Pick bright green leaves without wilting or yellowing.
• Cheese: Select sharp, aged cheese for robust flavor complement.
• Sourdough Rolls: Find freshly baked rolls with crispy crust.

Kitchen Gear for Ina Garten Roasted Red Pepper Soup

• Large Pot: A spacious cooking vessel perfect for building layers of flavor and simmering ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot's surface.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping potatoes, celery, and shallots with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Reliable tool for precise vegetable preparation.
• Blender: Powerful appliance to transform soup into a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately portioning broth and water.
• Serving Bowls: Attractive dishes for presenting the finished soup.
• Cheese Grater: Optional tool for sprinkling fresh cheese on top.

Cooking Guide for Ina Garten Roasted Red Pepper Soup

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a large pot, tossing in diced potatoes, chopped celery, and minced shallots. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until potatoes begin to soften and develop a golden edge, creating a delicious foundation for your soup.

• Layer Rich Ingredients

Introduce roasted red peppers and sun-dried tomatoes to the pot. Pour in chicken broth and water, letting the ingredients mingle and develop deep, complex flavors. Cover and allow the mixture to simmer gently, coaxing out incredible taste profiles.

• Transform and Smooth

Transfer the entire mixture to a blender, adding a dollop of sour cream. Carefully blend until silky smooth, allowing steam to escape. Taste and adjust seasoning, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Finish and Serve

Stir in fresh cilantro, then pour the vibrant soup into warm bowls. Sprinkle with crumbled cheese and extra cilantro. Slide a crusty sourdough roll on the side for the ultimate comfort meal that warms both body and soul.

Variations to Try for Ina Garten Roasted Red Pepper Soup

• Boost Your Soup's Flavor: Swap ingredients like red peppers with roasted poblano chiles for a smoky twist. Each variation adds unique depth to your culinary creation.
• Customize Your Texture: Control soup thickness by adjusting liquid amounts. Add more broth for a lighter soup or reduce liquid for a heartier, dense consistency.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Refrigerate leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freeze portions for convenient future meals, maintaining rich flavors and creamy texture.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the soup's nutritional value by stirring in cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, or plant-based protein like white beans for a satisfying meal.

Serving Ina Garten Roasted Red Pepper Soup Beautifully

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve the creamy soup alongside warm, toasted sourdough rolls to soak up every delicious spoonful and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Top with Crunchy Extras: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, toasted pumpkin seeds, or croutons on top to give the soup an exciting crunch and additional flavor dimension.
• Create a Colorful Plate: Arrange a small side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup and add a fresh, vibrant element to the meal.
• Enhance with Wine Pairing: Complement the soup's creamy texture and roasted pepper notes with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio for a sophisticated dining experience.

How to Store Ina Garten Roasted Red Pepper Soup

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freeze with Ease: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, it maintains quality for up to 2 months. Leave a small space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
• Reheat Perfectly: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration.
• Refresh Before Serving: Stir in fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of cheese just before serving to revive the soup's vibrant flavors and restore its original texture.

Silky Ina Garten Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s roasted red pepper soup combines sweet peppers with rich cream for a luxurious starter. Smooth textures and deep flavors invite home cooks to explore Mediterranean-inspired comfort in a single bowl.

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Ingredients

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• 1 jar (12 oz/340 g) roasted red peppers, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into small pieces
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) sour cream
• ⅓ cup (40 g) shredded pepper jack cheese
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 shallots or ½ red onion, chopped
• 4–5 sun-dried tomatoes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 4 sourdough dinner rolls

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Combine diced potatoes, celery, shallots, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook until vegetables soften and become translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Build Flavor Profile: Add roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and water. Cover and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, rich flavors.
3. Develop Texture: Uncover the pot and continue cooking until potatoes become tender and easily mashed, approximately 15 minutes. The liquid should reduce slightly, concentrating the soup’s essence.
4. Purée and Refine: Transfer the entire mixture with sour cream to a blender. Blend carefully, leaving the lid slightly open to prevent pressure. Process until achieving a silky, smooth consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Finish and Serve: Fold in half the cilantro, then ladle the soup into serving bowls. Sprinkle crumbled cheese and remaining cilantro on top. Serve alongside warm sourdough rolls for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Prep Wisely: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Blending Safety: Crack blender lid slightly when puréeing hot liquids to prevent pressure explosion and potential kitchen accidents.
• Flavor Enhancement: Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting as you add salt and pepper to achieve perfect balance without overwhelming the roasted pepper’s natural sweetness.
• Texture Tip: Select starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamier, smoother soup consistency without requiring excessive cream.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg