Recipe: Cream of Red Bell Pepper Soup

Cream of Red Bell Pepper Soup
Source Tiberius Recipe/Food/Recipe

2 1/2 pounds red bell peppers
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped shallots
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
3 cups (or more) canned vegetable broth
1/2 cup half-and-half
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Sliced fresh basil

Char peppers over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose in paper bag and let stand 10 minutes. Peel, seed, and slice peppers. Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, and thyme; saute 3 minutes. Add 3 cups broth and all but 4 slices of roasted pepper. Simmer uncovered until peppers are very soft, about 20 minutes. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return to same pot. Add half-and-half, vinegar, and cayenne pepper. Reheat soup, thinning with additional broth, if desired. Season to taste
with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with reserved pepper strips and basil.