Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in a medium soup pot over medium heat.
 - Add diced onions, celery, and garlic to the pot.
 - Sprinkle in the dried thyme, basil, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until vegetables are tender.
 - Pour in the vegetable stock and heavy cream, then add the roasted red peppers.
 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil to prevent cream separation).
 - Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth and velvety.
 - Add the bay leaf and continue to simmer for an additional 20 minutes to develop flavors.
 - Remove the bay leaf before serving.
 
Notes
The amount of cayenne pepper (2 tablespoons) creates a significantly spicy soup. Start with less and add more to taste if you prefer a milder flavor. For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk. This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Serve with crusty bread, garlic crostini, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal. A simple side salad with arugula and lemon vinaigrette makes a perfect accompaniment to balance the richness of the soup.
