Savory Roasted Red Pepper & Heirloom Tomato Bisque
Discover the vibrant flavors of this Savory Roasted Red Pepper & Heirloom Tomato Bisque, a richly textured soup that brings together the sweet smokiness of grilled red peppers and the freshness of ripe heirloom tomatoes. Inspired by a beloved dish from the Red Devil Restaurant in Newmarket, Ontario, this creamy bisque is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a remarkable starter for any gathering. The luscious blend of flavors is elevated by a hint of cream and the warmth of fresh basil, making every spoonful a delightful experience. Serve it warm with crusty bread or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Red Peppers
2 (Grilled, charred, peeled, and seeded)
Heirloom Tomatoes (chopped)
6 cups (Fresh or 2 - 28 oz. cans, undrained)
Vegetable Stock Base
2 tablespoons (Mixed in during cooking)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (Added for sweetness)
Salt
to taste (Season as needed)
White Pepper
to taste (Season as needed)
35% Cream
1/4 cup (Incorporated for creaminess)
Butter
4 tablespoons (Folded in after cooking)
Fresh Basil
1 sprig (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your grill to a medium-high heat. Grill the sweet red peppers, rotating frequently, until the skins are charred and blackened all over, about 10-15 minutes.
2
Once charred, remove the peppers from the grill and place them in a covered bowl to steam for about 10 minutes; this will help loosen the skins.
3
After steaming, carefully peel off the charred skin from the peppers. Gently scrape off any remaining black bits with a knife. Cut the peppers open, remove the seeds and the white insides, and discard them. Avoid washing the peppers as it can wash away their rich flavor.
4
In a blender or food processor, combine the peeled peppers and chopped tomatoes (including juice from canned tomatoes). Blend until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds.
5
Transfer the strained mixture to a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for approximately 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
Stir in the vegetable stock base, sugar, salt, white pepper, and 35% cream. Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7
Remove the saucepan from heat. To achieve a silky texture, set the pan in a larger bowl filled with ice water and gradually whisk in the butter until fully incorporated and melted.
8
Allow the soup to cool, then cover and refrigerate overnight to enhance the flavors. The next day, gently reheat the soup over low heat, ensuring it doesn’t boil. Serve hot, garnished with a sprig of fresh basil for a beautiful presentation.
9
As a personal touch, consider adding a dash of Tabasco for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Savory Roasted Red Pepper & Heirloom Tomato Bisque?
The bisque features a rich texture that combines the sweet smokiness of grilled red peppers with the freshness of ripe heirloom tomatoes, elevated by a hint of cream and fresh basil.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
This recipe was inspired by a beloved dish from the Red Devil Restaurant in Newmarket, Ontario.
How many sweet red peppers are required for this soup?
You will need 2 sweet red peppers.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh heirloom tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute 6 cups of fresh tomatoes with two 28 oz. cans of undrained tomatoes.
How long should I grill the red peppers?
Grill the peppers on medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, rotating frequently until the skins are charred and blackened.
Why should I place the grilled peppers in a covered bowl?
Placing the charred peppers in a covered bowl to steam for 10 minutes helps loosen the skins for easier peeling.
Should I wash the peppers after peeling them?
No, you should avoid washing the peppers as it can wash away their rich, roasted flavor.
How do I achieve a smooth texture for the base?
Blend the peeled peppers and tomatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
How long does the soup need to simmer initially?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce it to a simmer and cook uncovered for approximately 25 minutes.
What type of cream is used in this bisque?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of 35% cream to add richness and creaminess.
When should I add the vegetable stock base and seasonings?
Stir in the vegetable stock base, sugar, salt, white pepper, and cream after the initial 25-minute simmer.
How much butter is added to the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of butter.
What is the secret to getting a silky texture when adding butter?
Set the saucepan in a larger bowl filled with ice water and gradually whisk in the butter until it is fully incorporated and melted.
Is it better to serve the soup immediately?
It is recommended to refrigerate the soup overnight to allow the flavors to enhance before reheating and serving the next day.
How should I reheat the bisque?
Gently reheat the soup over low heat, ensuring it does not reach a boil.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses a vegetable stock base and fresh vegetables.
Is the Savory Roasted Red Pepper & Heirloom Tomato Bisque gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients list, this bisque is gluten-free.
What garnish is suggested for this soup?
A sprig of fresh basil is recommended for a beautiful presentation.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes, you can add a dash of Tabasco for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
What kind of pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe specifies using white pepper to taste.
What should I serve with this bisque?
It is perfect served warm with crusty bread or alongside a fresh salad.
Why is sugar included in the ingredients?
Two tablespoons of sugar are added to provide sweetness and balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What is the total simmering time after all ingredients are combined?
After adding the stock, cream, and seasonings, the soup should simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: red peppers, heirloom tomatoes, vegetable stock base, sugar, salt, white pepper, 35% cream, butter, and fresh basil.
Do I need to remove the seeds from the peppers?
Yes, you should remove the seeds and the white insides after peeling the charred skin.
Can I use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock?
The recipe calls for vegetable stock base, but you could use chicken stock if you do not require the dish to be vegetarian.
What is the benefit of the ice water bath step?
It cools the soup slightly to allow the butter to emulsify properly, creating a silky rather than oily texture.
Is this soup considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its creamy, rich, and warm nature.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The heirloom tomatoes should be chopped before blending.
Can this be served as a starter?
Yes, it makes a remarkable starter for any gathering or a main meal when paired with bread.