Smoked Red Bell Pepper Soup

From: arielle@taronga.com (Stephanie da Silva)
Date: Sun, 24 Oct 1993 09:01:51 GMT

Hickory chips, soaked in water 30 minutes and drained
8 medium red bell peppers (about 3 pounds)
6 cups (or more) chicken stock
1 1/2 pounds whole chicken breasts with ribs
2 tablespoons butter
2 celery stalks, diced
1 medium onion, diced
4 thyme sprigs
1 bay leaf
2 cups whipping cream (or milk)
salt and freshly ground pepper

Prepare covered barbecue grill with medium-low fire on one side of grill.
Sprinkle hickory chips over coals.  Place disposable aluminum pan under 
grill rack on side away from fire.  Grease grill rack and arrange peppers
on rack over pan.  Cover and smoke peppers until cooked through, turning
every 15 minute and adding more chips as necessary, about 1 1/2 hours. 
Peel, core and dice peppers.

Bring 6 cups stock to boil in medium saucepan.  Reduce heat so liquid is
barely shaking.  Add chicken breasts and simmer until firm to the touch,
about 12 minutes.  Drain, reserving stock.  Skin and bone chicken, then
dice.  Refrigerate.

Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium-low heat.  Add celery and
onion and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.  Add 
peppers and stir 3 minutes.  Add reserved stock, thyme and bay leaf and
simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 4 cups, about 1 hour.

Add cream to soup and simmer until reduced to 4 1/2 cups, about 40 minutes.
Remove thyme and bay leaf.  Puree soup in blender.  Strain through sieve
into medium saucepan.  Season with salt and pepper.  Rewarm over low heat,
adding more stock if thinner consistency is desired.  Add diced chicken
and heat through.  Serve immediately.


amyl

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