CREAMY YELLOW PEPPER AND TOMATO SOUP

Creamy Yellow Pepper and Tomato Soup image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 cup chopped shallot
1 cup chopped peeled potato
1 bay leaf
Pinch of grated nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 1/2 cups water
2 cups chopped yellow bell pepper
1 cup canned yellow tomatoes (crushed by hand)
1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream, as desired
Crispy fried shallots and chopped chives, for serving

Steps:

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the potato, bay leaf, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring, until the potatoes are well coated, 2 to 3 minutes more. Pour in the water and bring to a simmer.
Add the bell pepper and tomatoes and simmer until the potatoes and vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a simmer. Remove from the heat, discard the bay leaf and let cool at least 5 minutes. Carefully puree until smooth with a handheld immersion blender or in 2 to 3 batches in a blender (do not fill the blender more than halfway full per batch).
Stir in the cream and reheat the soup if necessary, adjusting the consistency and seasoning with additional water, salt and pepper.
Serve hot sprinkled with crispy shallots and chives.