# What You Need:
→ Soup Base
01 - 4 large red bell peppers, halved and seeded
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
05 - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
06 - 1 tablespoon harissa paste
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 3 cups vegetable broth
10 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon sugar
14 - ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut cream
→ Crispy Croutons
15 - 2 cups day-old bread, cut into ½-inch cubes
16 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
17 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
18 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
19 - ¼ teaspoon salt
→ Garnish
20 - Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
21 - Extra harissa or cream for serving
# How-To:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange red pepper halves skin side up on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Roast for 25-30 minutes until skins are charred and peppers are soft.
02 - Toss bread cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, and salt. Spread on a separate baking tray and bake for 10-12 minutes, tossing once, until golden and crispy. Set aside.
03 - Once peppers are cool enough to handle, peel and discard the charred skins.
04 - In a large pot, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
05 - Stir in harissa paste, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Add roasted peppers, diced tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
07 - Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to purée until silky smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
08 - Stir in heavy cream or coconut cream if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
09 - Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy croutons, fresh herbs, and a swirl of extra harissa or cream if desired.
