Vampire Soup

Yield: 9 cups

Prep: 15 mins
Start to Finish: 45 mins

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus additional for pans
4 pounds red bell peppers, cored, halved lengthwise and seeded
2 medium onion, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 1/2 cups hot chicken or vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Black Bat toasts (see recipe)

Directions

1. Preheat broiler and arrange rack 5 to 6 inches from heat. Lightly oil 2 shallow baking pans. Arrange bell pepper halves, in a single layer, in pans. Broil, turning occasionally, until edges are charred, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a blender.

2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over moderate heat. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to blender, add broth and puree until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Transfer mixture to a large saucepan; whisk in 2-1/2 cups water and the half-and-half. Heat over moderate heat, whisking occasionally, until hot, about 5 minutes. Stir in vinegar; salt and pepper to taste.

3. Ladle soup into mugs and serve with bat toasts.