Tomato and Red Pepper Soup - Dairy and Gluten Free

Most commercial tomato soup contains gluten... Sad but true fact!  However, you can make your own quick and delicious tomato soup at home!  I love this Tomato and Red Pepper Soup it is naturally dairy and gluten free.  It is full of flavor and very simple to make especially with the tomatoes I froze this Summer.  If you don't freeze or can your own tomatoes it can easily be made with fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes from the store.

Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

(makes 8 cups)

1 tbs extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

1/2 medium red bell pepper, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

3 tbs tomato paste

6 tomatoes, peeled and chopped OR 2 cans diced tomatoes, drained with juice reserved

2 cups tomato juice (use reserved juice)

2 cups water

1 chicken and tomato bouillon cube (optional)

1 tsp sugar

pinch smoked paprika

salt and pepper

In a medium pot, saute the onions and bell peppers in the olive oil.

Once the onions and peppers are tender add the garlic and tomato paste.

Continue to cook for a minute before adding the tomatoes, tomato juice, water, bouillon cube, sugar, paprika, salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer.

Simmer for 15 minutes.

Puree using an immersion blender, blender, or food processor to the desired texture.

I like mine with some texture left and not completely smooth.