Fresh Tomato and Pepper Bisque

I basically came up with this at the end of summer and picked all my tomatoes, bell and banana peppers and did not know what to do with them all! Threw everything in a pot and used the imagination. I served it with a dollop of sour cream and chips. Try topping with grilled cheese croutons. Make it your own!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 366 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup white sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream (Optional)
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• ¼ yellow onion, diced
• 2 ½ quarts whole tomatoes
• ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil , divided
• 2 cups fresh tomato juice
• 2 banana peppers, finely chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

Step 2

Place tomatoes and onion on a rimmed baking sheet; drizzle with about 1/4 cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Roast in the preheated oven until well browned and softened, about 15 minutes. Let cool until ready to use.

Step 4

Heat remaining olive oil and tomato juice in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and the roasted onion; cook until softened, about 10 minutes.

Step 5

Chop the roasted tomatoes and add to the soup. Add bell peppers, banana peppers, chicken broth, sugar, and butter. Simmer until vegetables are very tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and puree until smooth in a blender or using an immersion blender.

Step 6

Return bisque to the pan and add cream. Simmer over low heat until heated through, about 15 minutes. Garnish with basil.