Red Pepper Soup with Balsamic Reduction
Serves 8
“The capsaicin in the red pepper flakes helps raise body temperature, which is important for the libido,” says The Stanford Inn by the Sea coproprietor Jeff Stanford. Refrigerate extra
soup for up to five days.
Balsamic Reduction
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup agave nectar
Soup
- 3 Tbs. olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, diced (1 ½ cups)
- ½ medium sweet potato, peeled and diced (1 cup)
- 1 medium Yukon gold potato, peeled and diced (½ cup)
- 1 large shallot, diced (½ cup)
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 large red bell peppers, diced (3 cups)
1. To make Balsamic Reduction: Bring vinegar and agave nectar to a boil in small saucepan. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer 15 minutes, or until thickened. Cool.
2. To make Soup: Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add red onion, sweet potato, Yukon gold potato, and shallot, and cook 5 to 7 minutes. Add cumin, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes. Add broth and bell peppers; bring to a simmer. Cook 30 minutes, or until bell peppers and potatoes are softened. Blend Soup in batches until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Drizzle each serving with Balsamic Reduction.
January/February 2012 p.75
I printed this several weeks ago because the comments were encouraging. I finally made it last night and it is surprisingly good. Even my 9-year-old ate 3 bowls. Since I wasn't sure the kids would eat it, I made grilled muenster sammies to go with it. I think that's the way to go because the soup isn't heavy or super filling. I would add this recipe makes 8 *scant* servings. If I were having another family over for dinner, I'd definitely double the recipe, but this recipe was perfect for my family of 4. The flavor is very full: reminds me of a nice tomato bisque without the acidity.
Jen - 2013-03-20 13:10:37