Frequently Asked Questions
What is Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Bisque?
It is a velvety soup that combines the sweet, smoky flavors of roasted red bell peppers with rich, juicy tomatoes for a comforting and invigorating meal.
How do I prepare the peppers for this recipe?
Trim the tops, discard seeds, cut into flat pieces, and broil skin-side up for 10-15 minutes until the skin blisters.
What is the easiest way to peel roasted peppers?
After broiling, transfer the hot peppers to a plastic bag for 10-15 minutes to cool; the steam will help the skins peel off easily.
How many calories are in this bisque?
This recipe is very light, containing approximately 26 calories per serving.
Is this Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Bisque vegan?
It can be made vegan by choosing vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skipping the cream topping.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of diced sweet onion for a mild, balanced flavor.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 cloves of garlic, minced, to add fragrance and depth to the soup.
Can I use canned tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes with their juice.
What kind of broth works best?
You can use 4 cups of either low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on your dietary preference.
Why is balsamic vinegar included?
One tablespoon of balsamic vinegar is added at the end to provide a hint of tanginess that cuts through the sweetness of the peppers.
How much olive oil is needed for sautรฉing?
Only one teaspoon of olive oil is used to sautรฉ the onions and garlic.
What is the best way to blend the soup?
An immersion blender is ideal for blending directly in the pot, but a standard blender also works if you blend in batches.
How long does the soup need to simmer before blending?
Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors of the peppers, tomatoes, and broth meld together.
What are the nutritional facts for fat and carbohydrates?
Each serving contains approximately 0.6g of fat and 4.5g of carbohydrates.
Does this soup contain much protein?
No, it is a lighter soup with about 0.5g of protein per serving.
Is there fiber in this bisque?
Yes, there is approximately 0.9g of fiber per serving.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, adjusted to your personal taste.
Can I serve this as a main course?
While it works as a starter, it can be a main dish when paired with crusty bread.
What are some recommended toppings?
A swirl of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley are excellent for presentation and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for winter?
Yes, it is specifically described as a cozy meal designed to warm up winter nights.
How many large peppers are needed?
The recipe requires 4 large red bell peppers.
How long is the final simmer after seasoning?
After adding the vinegar and seasonings, let the soup simmer for another 3-5 minutes before serving.
What is the sugar content of this recipe?
There is approximately 0.8g of sugar per serving.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this bisque stores well and the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator.
What texture should the bisque have?
It should have a velvety and smooth consistency, though you can blend it less if you prefer it slightly chunky.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, low-calorie option that is rich in vegetables.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
You can, but you may need to increase the simmer time and add a bit more liquid to match the consistency of the canned version.
What makes this different from traditional tomato soup?
The addition of roasted red peppers provides a smoky sweetness and extra depth not found in standard tomato soup.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: red bell peppers, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, broth, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
What temperature should I set the broiler to?
The broiler should be set to the high setting for the best results in blistering the pepper skins.