Roasted Red Pepper and Eggplant Soup
- 2 eggplants (about 2 1/2 pounds total), halved
- 4 red bell peppers (about 22 ounces)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 1 medium leek, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise (white and pale green parts only; about 2 cups)
- 6 large garlic cloves, minced
- 8 1/2 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Parmesan cheese shavings
- Preheat oven to 450F.
- Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pierce eggplants all over with fork.
- Transfer, cut side down, to baking sheet.
- Roast until tender, about 45 minutes.
- Cool slightly.
- Remove peel and discard.
- Cut eggplants into large pieces.
- Rinse eggplant pieces under running water.
- Drain well.
- Set aside.
- Char bell peppers over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides.
- Enclose in paper bag 10 minutes.
- Peel, seed and coarsely chop peppers.
- Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and leek and saute until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic; saute 1 minute.
- Stir in eggplant, peppers, chicken stock, and tomato paste.
- Bring to boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered until vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes.
- Stir in basil and thyme.
- Cool slightly.
- Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth.
- Return soup to pot.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add butter and lemon juice; stir over low heat until soup is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- (Can be made 1 day ahead.
- Cover and chill.
- Bring to simmer before continuing.)
- Transfer to large bowl; garnish with Parmesan.
eggplants, red bell peppers, olive oil, onions, garlic, chicken stock, tomato paste, fresh basil, thyme, unsalted butter, lemon juice, parmesan cheese shavings
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/roasted-red-pepper-and-eggplant-soup-104803 (may not work)