Jamie Oliver, a celebrated chef and food activist, is known for his simple yet delicious and nutritious recipes. Among his repertoire of comforting dishes, the Red Pepper Soup stands out for its vibrant color, rich flavor, and nutritional benefits.
This soup combines the sweet and smoky taste of roasted red peppers with a blend of aromatic vegetables and herbs, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and healthy.
What is Jamie Oliver Red Pepper Soup
Jamie Oliver’s Red Pepper Soup is a creamy, blended soup made with roasted red peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, seasoned with herbs and spices. The soup is known for its smooth texture and a perfect balance of sweetness from the peppers and acidity from the tomatoes. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round, serving as a light meal in the summer or a comforting warm dish in colder months.
What Goes Best with Jamie Oliver Red Pepper Soup
This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A crusty piece of bread or a toasted ciabatta slice is perfect for dipping. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a green salad dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette or a cheese toastie. The soup’s rich flavor also complements lighter proteins, such as grilled chicken or fish.
Ingredients
– 4 large red bell peppers
– 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
– 1 can (400g) of chopped tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 liter vegetable or chicken stock
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– A pinch of smoked paprika (optional)
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Red Pepper Soup
1. Roast the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the whole red peppers on a baking tray and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until the skins are blackened and blistered. Once done, place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes. This process helps in peeling. Peel the skins off and remove the seeds.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Peppers: Chop the roasted peppers and add them to the pot along with the canned tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
4. Pour in the Stock: Add the vegetable or chicken stock to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If using a standard blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending in batches.
6. Season: Add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) to taste. Reheat gently if necessary.
Jamie Oliver Red Pepper Soup
Ingredients
- - 4 large red bell peppers
- - 2 medium onions peeled and chopped
- - 2 cloves of garlic peeled and minced
- - 1 can 400g of chopped tomatoes
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
- - 1 liter vegetable or chicken stock
- - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- - A pinch of smoked paprika optional
- - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Roast the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the whole red peppers on a baking tray and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until the skins are blackened and blistered. Once done, place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes. This process helps in peeling. Peel the skins off and remove the seeds.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
- Add the Tomatoes and Peppers: Chop the roasted peppers and add them to the pot along with the canned tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the Stock: Add the vegetable or chicken stock to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If using a standard blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending in batches.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) to taste. Reheat gently if necessary.
Notes
How to Serve Jamie Oliver Red Pepper Soup
Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. A drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add an extra touch of richness. Serve with your choice of bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Red Pepper Soup
Microwave: Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through the heating time.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
How to Store Leftovers of Jamie Oliver Red Pepper Soup
Cool the soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Jamie Oliver Red Pepper Soup
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, by using vegetable stock and omitting any dairy garnishes, this soup can easily be made vegan.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Red Pepper Soup is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
A serving of Jamie Oliver Red Pepper Soup is relatively low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly Vitamin C from the red bell peppers. Approximate nutritional values per serving (without garnishes) include:
Calories: 150-200 kcal
Protein: 3-4 g
Fat: 7-10 g
Carbohydrates: 20-25 g
Dietary Fiber: 4-5 g
Sugars: 10-12 g
Sodium: Dependent on the stock used; low-sodium stock can reduce overall sodium content
Additionally, this soup is a good source of antioxidants, thanks to the red bell peppers and tomatoes. The olive oil contributes healthy fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Choosing low-sodium stock and controlling the amount of added salt can make this dish an even healthier option.
Jamie Oliver’s Red Pepper Soup is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients can create a dish with a rich depth of flavor and substantial nutritional benefits.
Its combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors makes it a versatile dish that appeals to a wide range of palates.
Whether you’re looking for a light summer meal or a warming winter dish, this soup fits the bill perfectly, offering comfort and nutrition in every spoonful.
