Certainly, I’d be happy to provide you with detailed information about Spicy Raw Tomato and Red Pepper Soup, including its history, components, preparation steps, and approximate preparation time.
Spicy Raw Tomato and Red Pepper Soup:
This soup is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of ripe tomatoes and red peppers with a kick of spice. It’s a great choice for a light and flavorful meal, especially during the summer months.
History:
The history of this particular soup isn’t well-documented, but cold soups like gazpacho (a Spanish cold tomato soup) have been enjoyed for centuries. Spicy variations likely emerged as cooks experimented with adding different ingredients to traditional cold soups.
Components:
Here are the key components you’ll need for this soup:
Ingredients:
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-2 red chili peppers (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness), seeded and finely chopped
- 2 cups tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Preparation Steps:
Now, let’s go through the steps to prepare this delicious Spicy Raw Tomato and Red Pepper Soup:
-
Roast the Red Peppers: Start by roasting the red peppers. You can do this by placing them directly over an open flame or under a broiler until the skin blackens and blisters. Then, place them in a sealed plastic bag for a few minutes to steam. This will make it easier to peel off the skin. Once peeled, chop the roasted red peppers.
-
Blend Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the coarsely chopped tomatoes, roasted red peppers, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, and red chili peppers. Blend until you have a smooth puree.
-
Add Liquids: Pour the tomato juice, red wine vinegar, and extra-virgin olive oil into the puree. Blend again until everything is well combined.
-
Season and Chill: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Transfer it to a large bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until it’s well chilled. This soup is meant to be served cold.
-
Serve: Once the soup is thoroughly chilled, ladle it into bowls. You can garnish it with fresh basil leaves or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Spicy Raw Tomato and Red Pepper Soup is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, including the time for roasting the red peppers and chilling the soup.
Enjoy this flavorful and refreshing soup as an appetizer or a light meal, especially on a warm day.
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Spicy Raw Tomato and Red Pepper Soup:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximately 1 cup):
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin D: 0%
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 4%
- Potassium: 296mg
Health Information:
-
Low in Calories: This soup is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
-
Healthy Fats: It contains healthy fats from olive oil, which can be beneficial for heart health.
-
Vitamin C: Tomatoes and red peppers are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for immune support and skin health.
-
Dietary Fiber: The soup provides a moderate amount of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
-
Low in Sodium: It’s relatively low in sodium, which is good for those monitoring their salt intake. However, you can adjust the salt content to your taste.
-
Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes and red peppers are high in antioxidants, particularly lycopene and beta-carotene, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
-
Hydration: The high water content in tomatoes and the soup’s liquid base contribute to hydration.
-
Spiciness: The addition of red chili peppers not only adds flavor but can also temporarily boost metabolism due to capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spicy sensation.
-
Vinegar: Red wine vinegar provides a tangy flavor and may have potential health benefits, including blood sugar control.
-
Fresh Herbs: If you garnish with fresh basil or cilantro, you’re adding additional vitamins and minerals to the soup.
Remember that the specific nutritional content may vary based on the size and ripeness of the ingredients used and any variations in the recipe. It’s a healthy choice overall, especially for those seeking a light, vitamin-packed meal.
