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Risotto is a classic Italian dish renowned for its creamy texture and rich flavors. As a staple of Italian cuisine, this dish has captured the hearts (and appetites) of food lovers around the globe. What makes risotto truly special is not just its comforting consistency but also its adaptability to various seasonal ingredients. Whether enhanced with fresh vegetables, seafood, or, in this case, mushrooms, risotto can be customized to reflect the best offerings of each season.

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Discover the ultimate creamy mushroom risotto recipe that will elevate your cooking game! This classic Italian dish boasts a rich, velvety texture thanks to Arborio rice and fresh mushrooms. Learn the secrets to perfecting risotto, from gradually adding warm broth to stirring gently for that signature creaminess. Ideal for any season, this adaptable dish allows you to explore new flavors, making every meal a delightful experience. Enjoy comforting risotto that is sure to impress!

Ingredients
  

4 large red bell peppers

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped

1 medium potato, peeled and diced

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Roast the Peppers: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Slice the red bell peppers in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and stems. Place the peppers cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the skins are blistered and blackened. Once roasted, remove from the oven, cover with aluminum foil, and allow them to steam for about 10 minutes. This will help loosen the skins. After steaming, peel off the skins and roughly chop the roasted peppers.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, deep pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, chopped carrot, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion turns translucent.

      Add the Potatoes and Broth: Incorporate the diced potato, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper into the pot, stirring to combine. Pour in the vegetable broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

        Blend the Soup: Add the chopped roasted red peppers and balsamic vinegar to the pot. Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. If an immersion blender isn’t available, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, ensuring to allow steam to escape to prevent splattering.

          Incorporate the Cream: Once the soup is silky smooth, return it to low heat. Gradually stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and continue to heat through. Do not bring to a boil to preserve the creamy texture. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.

            Serve: Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and garnish each bowl with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of flavor and visual appeal. Pair with crusty bread or buttery grilled cheese sandwiches to create a heartwarming meal!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 4 servings