Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup with Basil Oil

Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup with Basil Oil

Mia

This vibrant Mediterranean soup captures the essence of sun-ripened vegetables in their most concentrated form. By fire-roasting red bell peppers and tomatoes until their skins char and blister, you unlock deep, smoky-sweet flavors that form the foundation of this silky-smooth soup. The roasting process caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, creating layers of complexity that simply can't be achieved with raw ingredients.

Inspired by the coastal regions of Spain and southern France, this soup embodies the Mediterranean philosophy of letting quality ingredients shine with minimal intervention. The addition of aromatic garlic, a touch of onion, and a hint of smoked paprika enhances rather than overwhelms the starring vegetables. What truly elevates this dish is the vibrant basil oil drizzled on top—a bright, herbaceous contrast to the rich, velvety soup that adds both visual appeal and a fresh finish to each spoonful.

Perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner, this soup is naturally dairy-free and packed with vitamins A and C from the peppers and tomatoes. The extra virgin olive oil in the basil drizzle provides heart-healthy fats characteristic of the Mediterranean diet. Serve it with crusty whole-grain bread for dipping, and you have a complete meal that's as nourishing as it is delicious. This soup also makes excellent leftovers and can be frozen for up to three months, making it ideal for meal prep.

Nutrition

1 hour
None servings
185 calories
Fat 14.00g
Carbs 15.00g
Protein 3.00g

Ingredients

4 largered bell peppers, halved and seeded
2 lbsplum tomatoes, halved lengthwise
1 mediumyellow onion, quartered
6 clovesgarlic cloves, peeled
3 tbspextra virgin olive oil, divided
3 cupsvegetable broth
1 tspsmoked paprika
1 tspsea salt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1 cupfresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cupextra virgin olive oil, for basil oil
1 tbsplemon juice, freshly squeezed (optional)

Equipment

ladle
measuring cups and spoons
large pot or Dutch oven
knife and cutting board
large rimmed baking sheet
immersion blender
blender or food processor
standing blender

80/20 Diet

This recipe exemplifies the 80/20 principle with 100% of its ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods: fresh vegetables, vegetable broth, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh herbs. It's anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich, and packed with vitamins while being completely free of processed ingredients.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This soup is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients including colorful vegetables rich in antioxidants (red peppers, tomatoes), extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, and anti-inflammatory spices like garlic and smoked paprika. The roasting process enhances the vegetables' natural antioxidant properties while avoiding all processed foods, refined sugars, and inflammatory oils.

Clean Eating

This soup embodies clean eating principles with its use of whole, minimally processed ingredients in their natural state: fresh vegetables, vegetable broth, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh herbs. It contains no refined sugars, white flour, artificial ingredients, preservatives, or processed foods—just real, recognizable ingredients prepared simply.

Daniel Fast

This soup is fully compliant with Daniel Fast guidelines, using only whole, unprocessed plant-based ingredients including vegetables, vegetable broth, and olive oil. It contains no animal products, refined grains, added sweeteners, leavened bread, fried foods, or caffeine—just pure, natural plant foods prepared simply.

DASH Diet

Perfect for the DASH Diet with its emphasis on vegetables rich in potassium and vitamin C, low sodium content (using fresh ingredients and vegetable broth), and heart-healthy olive oil instead of saturated fats. The recipe relies on herbs, spices, and natural vegetable flavors rather than added salt, supporting blood pressure management.

Detox Diet

This soup is ideal for detox protocols with its emphasis on organic vegetables (peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic), fresh herbs, and olive oil—all whole, unprocessed ingredients that support natural detoxification. It contains no dairy, gluten, refined sugars, processed foods, or artificial additives while providing abundant antioxidants and nutrients.

Diabetic Diet

This soup is suitable for diabetic diets with its low glycemic index vegetables (peppers, tomatoes), controlled carbohydrate content, and healthy fats from olive oil that help stabilize blood sugar. The fiber-rich vegetables and absence of refined sugars or starches support steady glucose levels.

Flexitarian Diet

This soup exemplifies flexitarian eating with its foundation of plant-based whole foods including roasted peppers, tomatoes, and fresh basil, using vegetables as the complete focus without any animal products. It's nutrient-dense, minimally processed, and demonstrates how satisfying and flavorful plant-forward meals can be.

Gluten-Free Diet

This soup is naturally gluten-free, containing only fresh vegetables, vegetable broth, olive oil, and herbs with no wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing ingredients. It's a safe, delicious option for those avoiding gluten while providing robust flavor and nutrition from whole food ingredients.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This soup is exceptionally heart-healthy, featuring extra virgin olive oil rich in monounsaturated fats, abundant antioxidant-rich vegetables, and no saturated fats, trans fats, or processed ingredients. The potassium-rich vegetables and minimal sodium support cardiovascular health and blood pressure management.

High-Fiber Diet

This soup is excellent for high-fiber diets, providing substantial dietary fiber from the peppers, tomatoes, onions, and vegetable broth base. The whole vegetables with their skins intact maximize fiber content while supporting digestive health and promoting satiety.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense soup is ideal for eating windows during intermittent fasting, providing sustained energy from complex carbohydrates in vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and abundant vitamins A and C. The satisfying, whole-food ingredients help maintain stable blood sugar levels and provide lasting satiety throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This soup honors intuitive eating principles by offering a satisfying, nourishing meal that provides both pleasure and nutrition without restriction or guilt. The recipe celebrates the natural flavors of quality ingredients and encourages mindful enjoyment of a balanced, wholesome dish that respects hunger and fullness cues.

Low-Fat Diet

This soup can be adapted for low-fat diets by reducing the olive oil to 1-2 teaspoons and using cooking spray, keeping total fat under 5g per serving while maintaining the rich flavor from roasted vegetables, herbs, and spices. The naturally low-calorie vegetables provide volume and satisfaction without added fats.

Low-Sodium Diet

This soup can easily be made low-sodium by using sodium-free vegetable broth and reducing or eliminating added salt, relying instead on the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables and flavor from fresh basil, garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. The recipe naturally emphasizes fresh ingredients over processed, high-sodium alternatives.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This recipe aligns with Mayo Clinic Diet principles by featuring abundant vegetables as the foundation, using healthy olive oil in moderate amounts, and avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive fats. The nutrient-dense, whole-food ingredients provide satisfying portions that support sustainable weight management.

Mediterranean Diet

This soup is a quintessential Mediterranean dish that emphasizes extra virgin olive oil, abundant vegetables (red peppers, tomatoes), fresh herbs (basil), garlic, and lemon juice. It's naturally plant-based, rich in antioxidants, and uses traditional Mediterranean cooking methods like roasting to enhance natural flavors without relying on excessive salt or processed ingredients.

MIND Diet

This soup supports brain health with its emphasis on vegetables (peppers and tomatoes rich in antioxidants), extra virgin olive oil as the primary fat, and fresh herbs. The recipe avoids butter, cheese, and processed ingredients while providing anti-inflammatory compounds and nutrients that support cognitive function.

Mindful Eating

This soup is perfect for mindful eating with its vibrant colors, varied textures, and aromatic qualities that engage all the senses. The whole, minimally processed ingredients and the contrast between the smooth soup and bright basil oil encourage slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation of each spoonful.

Plant-Based Diet

This completely plant-based soup contains no animal products and showcases whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh vegetables, vegetable broth, and extra virgin olive oil. It's naturally high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants while being satisfying and flavorful without any meat, dairy, or eggs.

Vegan Diet

This soup is entirely vegan, containing absolutely no animal products or by-products. It features nutrient-rich vegetables (peppers, tomatoes), plant-based broth, and healthy fats from olive oil, providing vitamins A and C along with antioxidants in a delicious Mediterranean-inspired preparation.

Vegetarian Diet

This naturally vegetarian soup contains no meat, poultry, fish, or seafood, relying entirely on roasted vegetables, vegetable broth, and olive oil for its rich, satisfying flavor. It provides essential nutrients from plant sources while being hearty enough to serve as a complete meal with whole-grain bread.

Weight Watchers

This soup aligns with Weight Watchers principles by featuring non-starchy vegetables as the star ingredients, using minimal added fats, and providing a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal that's naturally low in calories. The fiber-rich vegetables and small amount of healthy olive oil create a filling dish that supports weight management goals.

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 425°F and position one rack in the upper third and another in the lower third of the oven.

5 min
2

Arrange the halved red peppers (cut side down), halved tomatoes (cut side down), quartered onion, and peeled garlic cloves on a large rimmed baking sheet.

2 min
3

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the vegetables and use your hands to coat them evenly.

1 min
4

Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the pepper skins are blistered and charred in spots and the tomatoes are soft and caramelized.

40 min
5

While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the basil oil. Add the fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup olive oil to a blender or food processor.

1 min
6

Blend the basil and oil on high speed for 30-45 seconds until smooth and vibrant green. Set aside.

1 min
7

Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes until they're safe to handle.

5 min
8

Peel the skins off the roasted red peppers and discard them. The skins should slip off easily.

3 min
9

Transfer the peeled peppers, roasted tomatoes, onion, and garlic to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the vegetable broth, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

2 min
10

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth and velvety, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a standing blender.

3 min
11
5 min

Place the pot over medium heat and bring the soup to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

12

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a tablespoon of lemon juice if desired for brightness.

1 min
13

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and drizzle each serving generously with the basil oil. Serve immediately.

2 min

Frequently Asked Questions