Oh tofu, how I have doubted you over the years. Your name suggests gross blocks of pressed soybean curd (blah, that word) with beyond bland flavor, but really you are the non-dairy answer to all a vegan’s creaminess prayers. Be honest, who is really craving tofu or thinking “Yum! I’m totes going to splurge on that block of tofu tonight! Curd for life.” I felt the same way as all other tofu naysayers, until I discovered that tofu is the absolute perfect substitute for creating a creamy bisque texture in soups like this vegan roasted red pepper and tomato soup or silky texture in desserts. Now I’m all about tofu in all the things!
Like every other woman, blogger, human on the planet, my favorite grocery store is Trader Joe’s. I know that everyone and their cat has been singing the praises of this grocery happy place, but seriously, they have the best things you never knew you needed and are cheap. My lovely girl in Colorado has nary a TJ’s in sight and paid me to bring a few of her favorite picks to California on a girl’s weekend trip. True friend love.
One of my absolute favorite picks from TJ’s is the Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup. The soup is shelf stable, an easy meal, and super flavorful. Downside? My favorite soup is not vegan and not that great in the nutrition value department. That being said, I was on a mission, replicate my favorite soup and make it vegan. Done and done.
The silken tofu in this creamy soup adds just the right amount of say whhhhat this is vegan?! We simmer the veggies, get them sweating and break them down. Sprinkle the spices to jump it up to the next level and last, everyone is blended until smooth and silken. I took a bit of recipe guidance from Cookie and Kate on this recipe.
Get some cornbread croutons going on this bowl of goodness, it’s always a good idea. Bake up some cornbread, dice, spice, and bake until crunchy (Cliche, but TJ’s has the best cornbread mix on earth).
Bam, ma’am, you have dinner and a sauteed soup love fest on your hands.
Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Ingredients
- 1 jar roasted red peppers (8–12 oz)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped canned tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 ounces tofu
- 1/3 cup non dairy milk
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- Cilantro and croutons (to garnish)
Instructions
- Caramelize chopped onion in 1/2 cup of water over medium high heat for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully. Add garlic, red peppers, tomato paste, tomatoes, paprika, and cumin. Cook for 5 additional minutes.
- Transfer ingredients to the bowl of a food processor or blender. Blend on medium to high for 1-2 minutes. Add tofu and non dairy milk, blend for an additional 2 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and croutons.
- Yields 4 cups soup. Will keep for up to 1 week in sealed container in refrigerator.
Kelly @ Vegan Iowan says
I love this recipe! I could also see it being great with fresh peppers and tomatoes, too. I love using silken tofu to create a creamy base – so many people prefer cashews, but I quite frankly don’t want that many calories or that much fat. Thanks for sharing!
The Frosted Vegan says
Agreed! I also can never quite get the silky texture I crave with cashews!
Tracy says
As we quickly approach fall, this soup looks delightful, so warm and cozy!
The Frosted Vegan says
I know, right? But really, where did summer go??
Reba - Not So Perfect Life says
I use a handful of cashews for cream too. If you have a vitamix it blends up so smooth!
The Frosted Vegan says
I’m still saving my pennies for one of those, they are the holy grail!
Bonnie says
I’m totally trying this! I love tomato soup and have been thinking that I need to do some experimenting for a recipe. Just found your blog…I started a vegan food blog a short while ago too! Yea, new friend. 🙂 Excited to read more.
The Frosted Vegan says
Hiya! So glad you found me and you are enjoying! I checked yours out as well and am excited about following along : ) Love your other blog as well, so cute!
Karis says
That’s my favorite TJ’s soup and now I’m thankful I’ve never looked at the nutrition label as I have several cartons in my cardboard 🙂 This recipe intrigues me as I typically hate all things tofu, but I’m going to give this one a go…as soon as I get to Florida and have access to all my kitchen supplies again!
The Frosted Vegan says
I think I remember being at TJ’s together and talking about this soup with you! It is spot on as far as I’m concerned, well worth the effort!
Oh My Veggies (@ohmyveggies) says
Yeah, can we just banish the word curd? It’s so ugly to say. Currrrd. *shudder* I love that you remade the TJ’s soup into a healthier one–yay!
The Frosted Vegan says
Curdy curd, blahh! Whhhy?!
Kath says
Hey your Colorado girl, that’s me!! I drove past the site of my coming TJ’s the other day…still just the bare bones, but someday it will be my new favorite place to hang out!! xo
The Frosted Vegan says
Always and forever, Trader Joe’s xo
[email protected] says
Another beautiful looking soup! This is my ideal comfort food soup! 🙂
The Frosted Vegan says
Same here!
EndoWife says
I seriously need to stop stalking your blog. I am starving now!
The Frosted Vegan says
Then my work is done! : )
Bonnie O says
Great recipe! I add chia seeds, hemp seeds, and lentils to leftovers of this soup for a hearty and protein rich meal.
The Frosted Vegan says
Yum!
alyssa says
I am trying this as we speak and it never actually says when to add the peppers? Or am i missing something. ..
The Frosted Vegan says
Oh no, it doesn’t! Fixed it!