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The Creamiest Tomato Soup

Let's make some creamy dreamy tomato soup with roasted red pepper - my all time favorite soup! This soup is inspired by the Trader Joe's Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup! It's so warming and comforting especially with a grilled cheese. It's a bit sweet from the roasted red bell pepper, slightly acidic from the tomatoes, and super creamy from the parmesan and cream - the perfect balance.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or replace half with unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 28 ounces can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 8 ounces roasted red bell pepper
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 5 to 7 basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole or 2% milk
  • 2 teaspoons sugar optional
  • dash of cayenne optional
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan
  • optional garnishes: olive oil drizzle, grated parmesan, croutons, cracked black pepper, basil leaves

Instructions 

  1. Heat a dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and butter, if using, along with the tomato paste. Cook down the tomato paste for about 3 to 4 minutes to caramelize it and remove some acidity. Add the garlic and saute for another minute.
  2. Add the can of whole peeled tomatoes, roasted red bell peppers, thyme, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and basil. Mix and once it starts to bubble, bring heat down to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Blend in a blender that can handle heat or use an immersion blender. Blend to the consistency that you prefer. Blend a lot to avoid any texture for a very creamy soup.
  4. Transfer the soup back to the pot if you used a stand blender and add the heavy cream, milk, sugar, a tiny dash of cayenne, and the parmesan over low heat. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper level to taste.
  5. Ladle into bowls and top with garnishes of your choice.

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing from you!