The roasted red peppers are the star ingredient in this recipe. It gives the soup a bold and intense flavor. You can top the soup with the herbed cream cheese or even goat cheese. Go on and cozy up with a bowl of this soup. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Ingredients

Roasted Red Peppers

• 3 large red peppers
• Olive oil

Herbed Cream Cheese

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Soup

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 ounces of tomato paste
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 teaspoons basil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ cup half and half

Instructions

Roasting the peppers

1. Set oven to broil.
2. Slice the peppers in half, remove the seeds and stem. Rub with olive oil.
3. Roast the peppers until the skin starts to blacken.
4. Remove peppers from the oven and place inside of a Ziploc bag.
5. Let the peppers rest in the Ziploc bag for 20 minutes.
6. After 20 minutes peel the skin away from the peppers.

Prepare the Herbed Cream Cheese

1. Place the cream cheese and spices into a bowl.
2. Mix well and shape into ½ inch sized balls.
3. Set aside until ready to use.

Prepare the soup

1. In a large pot heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Sauté the chopped onion and carrots on medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes.
3. Add in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the tomato paste and mix into the sautéed vegetables.
5. Once the tomato paste is incorporated add in the broth,roasted red peppers, and all of the spices.
6. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 25 minutes.
7. Once the soup has finished simmering remove from the heat. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup. You can also purée the soup in a stand up blender, but make sure to work in batches.
8. Add in the half and half and stir until combined.
9. Place the soup into bowls and top with the herbed cream cheese.
10. Enjoy!