The Ninja Foodi Blender is a powerhouse appliance that makes blending, pureeing, chopping, and even cooking soups effortless. Whether you’re new to this blender or looking to expand your repertoire, this recipe will walk you through making a vibrant Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup—plus tips for using your Ninja Foodi for smoothies, sauces, and nut butters. This soup is creamy, comforting, and comes together quickly, showing off the full potential of your Foodi Blender.
Ingredients
- 2 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, or use coconut milk for dairy-free)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Roast the Peppers: If you haven’t purchased pre-roasted peppers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Halve and seed the red peppers, place them skin-side up on a baking sheet, and broil for 10-12 minutes until the skins are charred. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and let steam for 10 minutes, then peel off the skins.
- Sauté Aromatics: Set the Ninja Foodi Blender to the sauté function (if your model has this; otherwise, use a skillet on the stove). Add olive oil, chopped onion, and garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring, until softened and fragrant.
- Blend the Soup: Add the sautéed onion and garlic, roasted peppers, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the blender pitcher. Secure the lid.
- Cook and Blend: Select the ‘Heated Soup’ or ‘Cook’ function on your Ninja Foodi Blender. Blend and heat for 6-8 minutes, or until the soup is steaming hot and smooth. If your model does not heat, blend until smooth, then transfer to a pot and heat on the stove until simmering.
- Add Cream: Open the lid carefully (steam will escape). Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Blend for an additional 30 seconds to combine.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Pour into bowls and garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot.
Tips
- Substitutions: Use jarred roasted red peppers to save time, or swap vegetable broth for chicken broth for extra flavor. For a vegan version, use coconut milk in place of cream.
- Blender Safety: Always start blending hot liquids on low speed to prevent splattering, and never fill the pitcher above the max hot liquid line.
- Texture Control: For a chunkier soup, pulse the blender a few times instead of fully pureeing. For extra-smooth soup, strain through a fine mesh sieve after blending.
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe if your blender pitcher is large enough. Soup freezes well for future meals.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread, grilled cheese, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Drizzle with extra cream or a swirl of pesto for added flavor and color.
- Pair with a sprinkle of parmesan or vegan cheese for extra richness.
- For a heartier meal, top with cooked quinoa or roasted chickpeas.
Variations
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Roasted Vegetable Medley: Substitute half the peppers with roasted carrots or sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Classic Creamy Tomato: Omit the red peppers and double the tomatoes for a more traditional tomato soup.
- Herb Lovers: Add a handful of fresh basil, parsley, or oregano before blending for an herbaceous twist.
Storage and Reheating
- Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. For larger amounts, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot (about 5-8 minutes).
- If the soup thickens in storage, thin with a splash of broth or water while reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use raw peppers instead of roasted?
Roasting the peppers adds a smoky sweetness that really enhances the soup. Raw peppers can be used in a pinch, but the flavor will be fresher and less complex. If using raw, sauté with the onions and garlic to soften before blending. - Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Store in the refrigerator and reheat as needed. It also freezes well for meal prep. - Is the Ninja Foodi Blender safe for hot liquids?
Yes, the Ninja Foodi Blender is designed to handle hot ingredients, especially models with a heated soup function. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and never exceed the max fill line for hot liquids. - What other recipes can I make with the Ninja Foodi Blender?
This blender excels at smoothies, nut butters, sauces, dips, and even ice cream. Try blending frozen fruit and yogurt for a quick smoothie, or pulse nuts and oil for homemade nut butter. The heated function allows you to prepare hot chocolate, baby food, and pureed vegetable soups directly in the pitcher. - How do I clean the blender after making soup?
Rinse the pitcher immediately after use to prevent food from sticking. Fill halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap, then blend on high for 30-60 seconds. Rinse thoroughly. For tough stains or odors, blend a mixture of baking soda and water, then rinse. - Can I double the recipe?
If your Ninja Foodi Blender’s pitcher is large enough (usually 64 ounces or more), you can double the recipe without issue. Just be careful not to overfill, especially with hot liquids. If needed, blend in batches.
Bonus: Easy Ninja Foodi Blender Smoothie
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1 banana
- 1 cup spinach (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseed
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Add all ingredients to the blender pitcher.
- Blend on high for 45-60 seconds until smooth. Add more milk as needed for desired consistency.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
This smoothie is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or post-workout refuel, and demonstrates how versatile your Ninja Foodi Blender can be for daily use.
With these recipes and tips, your Ninja Foodi Blender will become a go-to tool for quick, flavorful meals and snacks. Enjoy experimenting with soups, smoothies, and more!
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