Red Pepper Carrot Soup

This soup boasts a smooth texture and a deep, rich flavor that comes from slow-roasting bell peppers.  It's also high in beta-carotene and lycopene, two antioxidants that may help prevent cardiovascular disease.

2 large red bell peppers (1 pound) plus slices for garnish, optional
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1 bay leaf
1 large onion, sliced (2 cups)
2 large carrots, sliced (1/2 pound)
4 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place bell peppers on baking sheet, and roast 1 hour, or until skin is wrinkled and blackened all over, turning peppers occasionally with tongs.  Transfer to bowl, and cover 10 minutes to steam.  When peppers are cool enough to handle, rub off blackened peel, and remove seeds.
Heat oil in 2 quart saucepan over medium heat.  Add curry pwder and bay leaf, stir 10 seconds.  Add onion, carrots, garlic and salt.  Cover, and cook 10 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
Add 4 cups water, and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, covered, 25 minutes.
Transfer carrot mixture to blender, add bell peppers, and puree until smooth.  Stir in lemon juice.  Garnish servings with bell pepper slices if using.

Serves 6

* Vegetarian Times February 2010