Roasted Red Pepper & Harissa Soup with Herb Oil & Grilled Cheese

Serves 4

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds (about 1½ cups)
• 1 small shallot, thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 2–3 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 (7-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained
• 1 (24-ounce) jar Ciao Pappy Marinara Alla Pappy
• 3–4 cups water or vegetable broth
• ½ cup labneh
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

For the Herb Oil:

• ½ cup mixed soft herbs (such as dill, parsley, and cilantro)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Grilled Cheese:

• 1 loaf Jennie’s House Focaccia
• 5 slices cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)

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Preparation

Make the Soup:

1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the carrots and shallot, season with salt, and sauté, stirring often, until the carrots begin to soften, about 5–6 minutes.
2. Stir in the harissa paste, coating the vegetables. Add the roasted red peppers, Marinara Alla Pappy, and 3 cups of water or broth. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the carrots are completely tender.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the labneh and lime juice. Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Make the Herb Oil:

1. Place the herbs in a heatproof bowl.
2. Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan until shimmering, then immediately pour over the herbs.
3. Season with salt and stir to combine. Set aside to cool.

Make the Grilled Cheese:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Slice the focaccia in half horizontally and place the bottom half in a small oven-safe pan.
3. Layer the cheese slices on top and cover with the top half of the focaccia.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling at the edges.

To Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with herb oil, and serve hot alongside the grilled cheese.