"My husband and I spent a weekend in Mendocino, and one evening out we were served a red pepper soup," says Leslie Cohen of Loomis, California. "Not being a red pepper aficionado, I was surprised at how delicious the soup was and vowed to replicate the recipe."
Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr
·Peppers can be roasted 2 days ahead and chilled, covered.
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 6 to 8 (10 1/2 cups)
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat broiler.
Step 2
Quarter peppers lengthwise, discarding stems, seeds, and ribs. Put skin sides up on rack of a broiler pan, and broil about 2 inches from heat until skins are blistered and charred, 8 to 12 minutes. Transfer peppers to a bowl and let stand, covered with plastic wrap, until cool enough to handle. Peel peppers and thinly slice.
Step 3
Cook onions in butter in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until soft. Stir in peppers, stock, and herbes de Provence and simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes.
Step 4
Purée soup in a blender in batches (use caution when blending hot liquids). For a smoother texture, force purée through a food mill into a large bowl. Return soup to pot and season with salt, tarragon, and cayenne.
Step 5
Reheat soup.
