1 can (28 oz.) whole San Marzano or other pear or plum tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, peeled & minced
Salt & pepper
2 tsps fresh lemon juice
3 c vegetable or fat-skimmed chicken broth
Chopped parsley
3 tbsps olive oil
3 red bell peppers (1 1/2 lb. total), rinsed, stemmed, seeded, & halved
Crème fraîche or plain yogurt
1 tbsp paprika such as pimentón de La Vera (see notes)
1 onion (7 oz.), peeled & sliced
Directions
Step #1 Preheat the broiler.
Step #2 Place the red pepper halves, in a baking pan & broil 4 to 5 inches from heat until the skins are black & blistered, cut side down, about 8 mins.
Step #3 Let cool, uncovered, 10 to 15 mins.
Step #4 Peel the peppers & place this in a bowl, reserving any juices.
Step #5 In a 3- to 4-quart pan over med-heat/flame, add the olive oil & the onion; stir often until onion is soft, about 5 mins.
Step #6 Add the garlic & stir until translucent, 1 to 2 mins.
Step #7 Add the roasted peppers & tomatoes, along with their juices, & the paprika.
Step #8 Bring to a low simmer & cook, stirring every once in awhile, about 3 mins.
Step #9 In a mixer or food processor/blender, purée the soup in small batches until smooth.
Step #10 Return purée to the pan & stir in the broth & lemon juice.
Step #11 Stir over med-heat/flame until hot.
Step #12 Spice up with salt & pepper to taste.
Step #13 Ladle into c or bowls & garnish with a dollop of crème fraîche or plain yogurt & parsley.
Step #14 Do-ahead tips: Make soup up to 3 days ahead.
Step #15 Store airtight in the refrigerator.
Step #16 Reheat before serving.
Step #17 Party short-cut: If your guests tend to congregate in the kitchen, leave this roasted red pepper soup over a low flame on the stove & set c, ladle, & toppings nearby (that's one fewer dish to wash).
Step #18 Wine pairing: Classic Brut sparkling wine brings elegance to this dish.
Step #19 Alternatively, a dry, fruity rosé is an unexpected match.