Creamy Red Bell Pepper Soup

[Jumkie31]

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 lb. red bell peppers\cooked, seeded and chopped
1 small leek\cooked, white part only, split lengthwise, rinsed, dried and chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh dill, minced
1 cup onions, chopped
4 cups vegetable stock
1/2 cup lowfat ricotta cheese
1 Tbsp. port wine (optional)
1/8 tsp. white pepper
1 cup cool herb croutons



Instructions

Melt butter in a heavy non-reactive saucepan over medium low heat. Sauté bell peppers, leek, dill and onion 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently until vegetables are softened. Add stock and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside 10 minutes to cool slightly. Purée mixture (in batches if necessary) in a food processor or blender. Add ricotta cheese and wine to last batch processed. Season with white pepper and salt to taste. Return soup to saucepan over medium low heat, stirring frequently until hot. Do not boil. Serve with croutons.