Tomato & Red Pepper Soup with Cheese Croutons Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 large Roma tomatoes, halved
• 2 whole red bell peppers, de-seeded and halved
• 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
• 4 slices sourdough bread or any thick-cut bread
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper