Tuscan Soup with Tomato & Roasted Red Peppers

There are times when you need something rich and comforting, but you also want it to be healthy, filling, easy and quick to make! Sounds impossible – maybe not! This rich and creamy Tuscan Soup make with Marinara sauce and Roasted Red Peppers can be just what you need for a comforting meal. It takes less than 15 minutes to make this soup, thanks to the store-bought ingredients. But you’ll not miss out on the favor factor as you season it with some more spices. Mash some cannellini beans to add thickness to the soup , a healthy substitute for the cream, i must say, and you are on your way to enjoy the comforting flavors of Tuscany, right in the familiar settings of your home.

[Recipe via Woman’s Day magazine; photo credit: Anastassios Mentis]

Here Cannellini beans have been used to thicken the soup. However, if you are not too bent upon making a healthy recipe, I would recommend switching the beans for some fresh cream and full-fat milk. You can reduce the water/broth amount accordingly to achieve the desired consistency. Also, adding some fresh rosemary would be a great flavor enhancer, or you could pair the soup and serve it with some Rosemary-Cheese Toasts.

Tuscan Soup with Tomatoes & Roasted Red Peppers

Ingredients
1 jar (24 to 26 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (19 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed
1 jar (7 oz) roasted red peppers
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves of garlic
1 3⁄4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
1⁄4 cup thin strips fresh basil leaves
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Method
Put the sauce, beans, peppers, oil and garlic in a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Pour into a medium saucepan along with the broth. Stirring often, bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Once thick enough, remove from heat and stir in the basil leaves, leaving some for garnish.

Pour the soup into bowls; grind some fresh pepper on top, and garnish with a sprig or two of basil leaves.

Serve this hot Tuscan Tomato & Red Pepper Soup with a side of Garlic Bread for a hearty filling meal that is quick and easy to dish up!

Bonus Tip: This soup is thick enough to be poured over your favorite Pasta too. Just toss it over your spaghetti noodles and add some chopped walnuts and shaved parmesan cheese for a quick pasta dinner that brings the flavors of Tuscany to your home!