1 to 1 1/4lbred bell peppers4-5, seeded, sliced into quarters
16ouncessmall tomatoessliced in half
1/2red onioncut into thin wedges
2carrotsroughly chopped
1/2teaspoonkosher salt
1tablespoonchopped fresh basil leaves
2cupsveggie broth
optional: paprika roux
2tablespoonsavocado or olive oilor butter, if not vegan
1tablespoonflour
1/2teaspoonsmoked paprika
1/2teaspoonkosher salt
1/4cupcashew milkor almond or soy milk
1cupveggie broth
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Place the veggies in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pepper skins take on a nice char. Remove from oven.
Let vegetables rest on the sheet, until cool enough to handle.
Peel the skin off of the peppers. Don't worry about any hard-to-peel areas, just remove the bubbled-up charred skin.
Scrape the veggies into a blender, making sure to include all the juices. Add the veggie broth to the jar, along with the basil and a big pinch of kosher salt. Puree until smooth. You'll have about a quart.
Optional paprika roux:
Heat the oil or butter in a soup pot over medium heat until melted. Stir in the flour and paprika to create a fragrant paste. Add the cashew milk a little at a time, stirring to combine. Whisk in the broth until the roux is loose and smooth.
Finish the soup
With or without the roux, add the soup from the blender to the pot (whisking thoroughly with the roux, if using) and heat through. Taste for salt.