James Martin Tomato And Red Pepper Soup
Dive into the comforting embrace of James Martin's Tomato and Red Pepper Soup, a heartwarming dish that promises to delight your palate with its vibrant flavors and smooth texture. This recipe, a testament to Martin's culinary prowess, showcases the beautiful simplicity of roasted vegetables blended into a rich and creamy soup.
Brief Description of the Recipe James Martin's Tomato and Red Pepper Soup is a creamy, flavorful blend of roasted tomatoes, red peppers, shallots, and garlic, combined with a touch of cream for added richness. This soup stands out for its comforting warmth and depth of flavor, making it a perfect choice for any season.
Cultural or Historical Context James Martin, a renowned British chef known for his simple yet delicious dishes, brings this soup to life. It reflects his philosophy of using quality ingredients to create hearty, comforting meals that are both accessible and enjoyable.
Ingredients List
- Shallot, peeled and diced: 1
- Ripe tomatoes, halved: 500g
- Garlic cloves, peeled: 4
- Red chilli, sliced: 1
- Olive oil: 50ml
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable stock: 500ml
- Double cream: 50ml
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (for confit tomatoes): 400g
- Olive oil (for confit tomatoes): 100ml
- Thyme and rosemary sprigs (for confit tomatoes)
- Large bunch of basil (for herb oil)
- Vegetable oil (for herb oil): 150ml
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Arrange the shallot, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and chilli on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, season, and roast for 1 hour.
- Blend the roasted vegetables with vegetable stock and cream until smooth.
- For the confit tomatoes, roast cherry tomatoes with olive oil and herbs for 30 minutes.
- Create herb oil by blanching basil, then blending with vegetable oil and straining.
- Serve the soup garnished with confit tomatoes, a drizzle of herb oil, and optionally, cream.
Storage and Reheating
To store, cool the soup to room temperature and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 6 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Information
While specific nutritional values depend on the exact ingredients used, this soup is a good source of vitamins from the tomatoes and red peppers, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. The addition of double cream adds richness and a modest amount of fat.
FAQ about the Tomato and Red Pepper Soup
- Can I make this soup vegan? Yes, by substituting the double cream with a plant-based alternative, you can easily make this soup vegan.
- Is it possible to use canned tomatoes? While fresh tomatoes are recommended for their flavor, canned tomatoes can be used as a convenient alternative.
- How can I adjust the thickness of the soup? Adjust the thickness by varying the amount of vegetable stock or cream to achieve your desired consistency.
Enjoy James Martin's Tomato and Red Pepper Soup as a standalone meal or as a starter for a more elaborate dining experience. Its comforting warmth and rich flavors are sure to make it a cherished addition to your recipe collection.
Original recipe by James Martin.