Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 onion, peeled and minced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and minced
  • 2 ribs celery, minced
  • 1 quart chicken or vegetable broth, homemade or low-sodium canned
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 6 red bell peppers, roasted, seeded, deveined, peeled and quartered
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 cup minced fresh basil leaves
  • 2 scallions, minced

Method

  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet.
  • Add the garlic and onion.
  • Cook over medium-low heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the carrot, celery, broth and thyme.
  • Increase heat to medium, and simmer for 25 minutes.
  • Add the peppers and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Place the mixture in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
  • Pour the soup into a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat.
  • Stir in the buttermilk.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Ladle the soup into individual bowls.
  • Garnish with basil and scallions.