Spicy Roasted Tomato Soup

Well It is May Day today but it is 33degrees and Rainy with possible Snow tonight so Soup Sounded Good! I loved the method of roasting all the vegetables in the oven- makes it so easy!

ingredients:

5 large tomatoes, cut into 3/4" slices1 onion, cut into 1/2" slices1/2 jalapeno, cut in half lengthwise, seeded2 bell peppers, seeded, cut into 4 piecesolive oil1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder3/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)freshly ground black pepper2 cups vegetable broth1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus additional cheese for garnishing)- I used sharp Cheddarfew tablespoons of heavy cream or creme fraiche (optional)

directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Arrange all vegetables on baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil all over. Roast for 20 minutes.

For immersion blender:
Roughly chop all vegetables. Add all vegetables, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, vegetable broth and grated cheese to pot large enough so that when you use your immersion blender, it doesn't splatter all over the place. Blend in pot until you get a nice puree. Bring to simmer, taste and adjust seasoning.

For Vitamix or Blendtec:
Add all ingredients to blender and set on your "Soup" setting. Taste and adjust seasoning.

For standard blender:
Add all ingredients to blender, blend until smooth puree. Taste and adjust seasoning. Pour into pot and heat to serve.

Garnish with additional parmesan cheese, a turn of the pepper mill and serve with crusty bread.