Mrs. Mayfair’s Fresh Tomato and Bell Pepper Soup with Basil

A vibrant, sun-kissed soup that perfectly captures the flavors of late summer, when bell peppers and tomatoes are at their most ripe and flavorful. Whether served hot for a cozy evening or chilled for a delightful al fresco lunch, this recipe is one Mrs. Mayfair turns to every season. It’s simple, elegant, and bursting with the natural richness of fresh ingredients—perfect for when you want to embrace the essence of living beautifully.

Serves 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes (easy and fast)

Ingredients

• 2 fresh red bell peppers (or buy roasted in a jar for a smoky flavor)

• 1 lb ripe tomatoes (Mrs. Mayfair prefers Italian plum tomatoes for their robust flavor)

• 1 small onion

• 1 garlic clove

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• 3 to 3¾ cups hot vegetable stock

• A good pinch of sugar

• Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste

• Fresh basil leaves, to serve

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Roughly chop the bell peppers and tomatoes. Mince the onion and garlic, keeping everything neatly separated.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat. Gently stir in the onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, taking care not to let it color. Add the bell peppers and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Next, add the tomatoes and garlic, and cook for 10 minutes. Finally, pour in the hot vegetable stock, season with sugar, salt, and freshly ground white pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, and simmer over moderate heat for 10 minutes.

3. Blend and Perfect

Using a blender or food processor, purée the soup until smooth. Press the soup through a fine strainer back into the pan to achieve a velvety texture (not necessary if you are pressed for time). Bring it to a boil once again, then reduce the heat and adjust the seasoning to taste.

4. Serve in Style

Pour the soup into a beautiful tureen or individual bowls. Just before serving, quickly shred some fresh basil and scatter it over the top to add a final burst of fresh flavor.

Mrs. Mayfair’s Variations

• Pesto Twist: If you have pesto in the fridge, Mrs. Mayfair suggests adding a spoonful or two to the soup before puréeing. Red pesto will deepen the color of the soup, while green pesto will lend a milder tone.

• Rich Smoky Flavor: For a heartier, smokier flavor, substitute 2 chopped roasted red peppers (pimientos) for the fresh ones. You can use store-bought or roast your own for a personal touch.

To Serve

Mrs. Mayfair recommends pairing this delicious soup with a crusty ciabatta, drizzled with olive oil, for an elegant yet simple meal. It’s perfect for when you want to offer guests a taste of refined comfort, embodying the charm and warmth of The Mayfair Hall.

Trick of the Trade

If you’re short on time, start with a high-quality organic creamy tomato soup as your base. Add in sautéed bell peppers, garlic, pesto and a pinch of sugar to elevate the flavor. Purée the mixture and finish it off with fresh basil for a quick and elegant version of this classic recipe, perfect for a last-minute week dinner. Shhhh, nobody will know (Pacific makes wonderful options available at Whole Foods).