Chilled Red Bell Pepper And Habanero Soup Food

CHILLED RED BELL PEPPER AND HABANERO SOUP

Steps:

• Roast bell peppers on racks of gas burners over high heat (or on a broiler pan about 2 inches from broiler), turning with tongs, until skins are blackened, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let stand 20 minutes. Peel, then halve lengthwise, discarding stems and seeds.
• Cut a shallow X in bottom of each tomato, then blanch tomatoes in simmering water 20 seconds and transfer to an ice bath. Peel and coarsely chop, reserving juices.
• Cook onion, garlic, chiles, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in 2 tablespoons oil in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and pale golden, about 8 minutes. Add tomatoes with juices, bell peppers, broth, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and simmer, covered, until peppers are tender, about 5 minutes.
• Purée soup in 2 or 3 batches in a blender (use caution when blending hot liquids), drizzling remaining 1/4 cup oil into first batch with motor running. Quick-chill soup in a metal bowl set in an ice bath, stirring often, 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt.

CHILLED RED PEPPER SOUP WITH GARLIC-PARMESAN CRISPS

Steps:

• Preheat broiler. Line a large baking sheet with foil. Roast pepper quarters, skin-up, for 15 minutes, until charred. Remove to paper bag. The steam released as they cool will loosen the skin. Using a small knife, peel off and discard charred skin. Chop peppers.
• Warm 1 Tbsp oil in large heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Add shallots; cook 3 minutes, until soft, stirring. Add garlic; cook 1 minute, stirring. Add chopped peppers, broth, salt, and pepper. Increase heat; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat; let simmer 20 minutes, uncovered, until vegetables are very soft. Using a slotted spoon, transfer mixture to food processor or blender; puree. Add broth from pan; blend on high speed until smooth. Chill soup at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Using scissors, separate pita to make two rounds. Rub with a garlic half; brush lightly with oil, then sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 15 minutes. Cut each round into 4 wedges.
• To serve: Whisk soup to blend. Thin with additional broth or add salt, if necessary. Top servings with crisps and basil slices.

CHILLED SMOKED RED PEPPER SOUP WITH ANCHOVY CROSTINI

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-based saucepan. Fry the red pepper, onion and garlic in the pan for 10-15 minutes over medium heat, stirring often.
• Add the tinned tomatoes, smoked paprika, sugar and stock. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Bring to the boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Blend the soup with a hand blender or in a jug blender until smooth. Cool, cover and chill.
• Meanwhile, make the anchovy butter for the crostini. In a pestle and mortar pound the anchovy fillets into a paste. Mix in the butter and lemon juice, blending thoroughly. Season with freshly ground pepper and mix in the parsley. Cover and chill until use.
• Just before serving prepare the crostini. Drizzle each slice of sourdough bread with half a tablespoon of olive oil.
• Grill the bread until lightly toasted. Spread each slice generously with the anchovy butter.
• Ladle the soup into 4 serving bowls. Top with a dollop of creme fraiche and a few basil leaves. Serve with the anchovy crostini on the side.

CHILLED ROASTED PEPPER SOUP

Steps:

• In a skillet over medium heat, add oil and clarified butter. When hot, add onion and sea salt; sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 3 minutes. Transfer onion mixture to a food processor fitted with the blade attachment.
• Add roasted peppers and blanched tomatoes to onion mixture. Add rosemary, basil, cumin cayenne and black pepper; process until smooth.
• Transfer to a large bowl and add vegetable broth, heavy cream, balsamic vinegar and lime juice. Using an immersion blender, process the mixture until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and transfer to the refrigerator until cold. Serve with dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh chives. Makes 6 servings.