Roasted Red Pepper & Cauliflower Soup

You guys know how much we LOVE soups!  Here's another tasty recipe to check out.  Katie actually found this recipe on Closet Cooking's blog.  This is a hearty, vegetarian soup that makes for a perfect weekend lunch in winter and/or early spring.  The blend of cauliflower, roasted red peppers and spices/herbs all come together to produce a creamy, flavorful, healthy soup!

Servings:  6

Size:  1 1/4 cups

Points Plus: 3pp

Level of Difficulty:  Easy

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredient List:

4 red bell peppers, halved and seeds removed

1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tsp. thyme

1 pinch red pepper flakes

4 cups chicken broth

1 tsp. smoked paprika

Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

Turn on the broiler.  Place the red peppers, cut side down, on a baking sheet.  Broil the peppers for 10 minutes or until the skins are blackened.  Immediately put the peppers in an air-tight container to let steam for 20 minutes (this will make it really easy to remove the skins before dicing).  Place the cauliflower florets on another baking sheet with 1 Tbsp. olive oil; roast for 20-30 minutes in a 400° oven.  You will want to stir the cauliflower a few times in between to make sure it’s evenly roasted and not sticking to the pan.  Return to the red peppers and remove the skins and dice.  Heat the remaining oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot.  Add the onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.  Add the thyme, red pepper flakes and cook for an additional minute, stirring well.  Add the roasted red peppers, cauliflower, chicken broth, paprika and salt & pepper.  Simmer for about 10 minutes.  Using an immersion blender, puree the soup mixture to your desired level of consistency. 

Tip:

Using a jar of roasted red peppers would save time if you want to make this recipe when you are short on time.  You would still have to roast the cauliflower to get a smoky, roasted flavor, but you could start the rest of the soup while the cauliflower roasts. 

XOXO Megan