Roasted Red Pepper Puree with Spicy Corn Salsa

Guests will be stunned by this outrageously colorful soup. The recipe calls for jarred peppers, for convenience, but you can roast your own, substituting 3 fresh bell peppers. Serve the soup with a simple cheese quesadilla or tortilla chips.

 

Roasted Red Pepper Puree with Spicy Corn Salsa

 

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 jar (24 oz./750 g) roasted red bell peppers, drained

1 russet potato, peeled and diced

4 cups (32 fl. oz./1 l) chicken broth

1 Tbs. sour cream

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

 

For the spicy corn salsa:

1 Tbs. unsalted butter

1 Tbs. minced jalapeño chile

1 Tbs. thinly sliced green onion, white and tender green parts

1 cup (6 oz./185 g) fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears), or 1 cup frozen corn

Salt and freshly ground pepper

 

In a large, heavy pot, warm the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the roasted peppers and potato, stir to coat and cook for 3 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the potatoes are very tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.

 

Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender or food processor. Return to the pot, stir in the sour cream and season with salt and pepper.

 

Meanwhile, to make the salsa, melt the butter in a small frying pan over high heat. Add the jalapeño and green onion and cook, stirring constantly, until the butter begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Add the corn kernels, stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup topped with the corn salsa. Serves 4 to 6.

 

Find more soup recipes for every season and occasion in our cookbook Williams-Sonoma Soup of the Day, by Kate McMillan.