Glow-Boosting Roasted Pepper Soup: Lycopene-Rich & Protein-Packed
A delicious, antioxidant-filled soup for youthful skin, muscle recovery, and overall health!
Looking for a meal that nourishes your body from the inside out? This Glow-Boosting Roasted Pepper Soup isn’t just rich in flavour—it’s packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its skin-protecting, anti-ageing, and disease-fighting properties.
With the option to add protein—whether plant-based or animal-based—this soup is customisable, satisfying, and perfect for any season. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients to support your health and fitness goals.
Why Lycopene? The Secret to Radiant Skin & Health
Lycopene is a potent antioxidant found in red fruits and vegetables, including red bell peppers and tomatoes. It’s been linked to skin protection, reduced inflammation, and lower risks of certain chronic diseases.
Benefits of Lycopene:
✔ Protects skin from UVA & UVB damage, reducing wrinkles and fine lines
✔ Fights inflammation, helping to maintain youthful, healthy skin
✔ Supports heart health, lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases
✔ May help prevent certain cancers, including prostate, lung, and breast cancer
Since cooking enhances lycopene’s bioavailability, this roasted pepper soup is one of the tastiest ways to get more of it!
💡 Did You Know?
🌞 Lycopene is Nature’s Sunscreen! While it doesn’t replace SPF, studies show that eating lycopene-rich foods can reduce sunburn intensity by up to 40% after 10 weeks of regular consumption. It absorbs UVA & UVB rays, helping to prevent photo-ageing and skin damage from the inside out!
Boost Your Protein: Stay Fuller & Support Muscle Health
This soup isn’t just good for your skin—it’s also high in protein! Whether you’re aiming for muscle recovery, weight management, or simply a more filling meal, you can easily customise the protein content to suit your needs.
Protein Options:
🥦 Plant-Based: Lentils, chickpeas, quinoa or tofu (vegan-friendly boost!)
🍗 Animal-Based: Grilled chicken or bone broth (extra protein & collagen!)
Why Add Protein?
✔ Muscle repair & recovery
✔ Boosts metabolism & keeps you fuller for longer
✔ Supports skin elasticity & healthy ageing
Glow-Boosting Roasted Pepper Soup Recipe
🌿 Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with antioxidants!
Ingredients:
• 2 red bell peppers
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 large tomato (or 2 small ones) (extra lycopene boost!)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500ml vegetable stock (or bone broth for added protein & collagen)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (healthy fats for nutrient absorption)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavour)
• ½ tsp turmeric (anti-inflammatory benefits!)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (enhances flavour & nutrient absorption)
Optional Protein Additions:
🥦 Vegan: 1 cup cooked lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, or 150g tofu
🍗 Non-Vegan: 150g grilled chicken
Garnish:
🌿 Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions:
1. Roast the Peppers & Tomato
🔥 Preheat your oven to 200°C.
🔪 Cut the bell peppers and tomato in half, removing the seeds.
🥄 Place them on a baking tray, skin-side up, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 25 minutes until skins are charred.
❄ Let cool slightly, then peel off the skins for a smooth texture.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
🍳 In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
🧅 Add chopped onion & garlic, cooking until soft & fragrant (about 5 minutes).
3. Blend & Simmer
🫙 Add roasted peppers, tomato, smoked paprika, turmeric, and vegetable stock to the pot.
🌀 Blend the mixture with a hand blender until smooth.
💪 Stir in protein additions (lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, chicken, or tofu.
4. Season & Serve
🧂 Add salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar/lemon juice to balance flavours.
🌿 Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. For extra creaminess, swirl in coconut milk or cashew cream.
Serving Suggestions:
✨ Enjoy on its own, or pair with:
🍞 Whole-grain bread for extra fibre
🥗 A fresh Greek-style salad
🍚 A side of quinoa for added protein
Nutritional Benefits at a Glance:
🍅 Lycopene: Protects skin from UV damage & supports anti-ageing
💪 Protein: Essential for muscle recovery & satiety
🌿 Turmeric & Paprika: Anti-inflammatory & rich in antioxidants
🫒 Olive Oil: Helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins & supports heart health
Final Thoughts
This soup isn’t just about flavour—it’s about functional nutrition. Every ingredient has a purpose, whether it’s fighting inflammation, boosting collagen, or keeping you full. Plus, with protein customisation, it suits every lifestyle.
💡 So, why not make this a staple in your meal rotation? Your skin, muscles, and taste buds will thank you!
