Author Notes
This soup, my Italian Roasted Eggplant Bisque, is easy and comforting but also a little bit different and exotic. The flavor is rich with the roasted eggplant and tomatoes and warmed by the herbs and spices of garlic, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Oregano, thyme and basil give it a fresh taste and Italian aroma that is perfect for Spring. The soup is made into a bisque by adding just 1/4 cup of non-dairy milk or cream. —Rhea Parsons
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Ingredients
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1
large eggplant, cut in half
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2
large tomatoes, cut in half
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6
cloves of garlic
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2 tablespoons
olive oil
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1
onion, chopped
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1 teaspoon
dried thyme
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1 teaspoon
ground cumin
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1 teaspoon
dried oregano
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1 teaspoon
dried basil
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1 pinch
red pepper flakes
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4 cups
low sodium vegetable broth
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1/4 cup
non-dairy milk or cream
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1/2 teaspoon
kosher salt
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1/4 teaspoon
black pepper
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2 tablespoons
Vegan grated parmesan cheese, for garnish
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2 tablespoons
Fresh basil for garnish
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2 tablespoons
diced tomato, for garnish
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
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On a large baking sheet, place the eggplant halves, the tomato halves and the garlic cloves. Brush the eggplant and tomatoes with oil.
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Roast the veggies for 45 minutes to an hour, until the veggies get soft and browned. Make sure to check on the garlic cloves from time to time so they don’t burn.
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Remove the veggies from the oven and let cool until you can handle them.
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In a large pot, heat 1 Tbs. of oil over medium high heat.
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Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until it softens and starts to brown.
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Scoop the eggplant meat out of the skin and add it to the pot. Add the tomatoes to the pot. Squeeze the garlic out from their skins and add them to the pot also.
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Add the thyme, cumin, oregano and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.
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Add the broth and bring the soup to a boil. Lower the heat and let simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. Turn off the heat and let the soup cool a bit.
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Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender (make sure to only fill the blender half-way with soup and hold a dishtowel over the lid) until it is totally smooth. If you have an immersion blender, you can just blend the soup in the pot.
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Return the pureed soup to the pot. Add the milk or cream and bring the soup to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve
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Serve while hot and garnish with vegan grated cheese, fresh basil and diced tomato.
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