Roasted Red Peppers in Olive Oil

Roasted red peppers in olive oil are a delightful and versatile dish that brings out the natural sweetness and smoky flavors of red peppers. This simple recipe transforms whole red peppers into tender, charred strips that are seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper, and then drizzled with aromatic olive oil. The peppers are roasted to perfection, creating a dish that is both visually appealing and incredibly flavorful.

Whether served as a first course, added to an antipasto platter, or used as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or bruschetta, roasted red peppers in olive oil add a burst of vibrant colors and a unique taste to your culinary creations. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy the rich flavors of this classic dish.

Serves: 6-8

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 red peppers, washed and dried, whole
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Pepper and salt
• 1/2 cup olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Place the whole red peppers on the baking sheet and roast them in the oven for approximately 30 minutes, turning them occasionally with tongs. The peppers should be roasted until the skin is charred.
3. Once the peppers are charred, turn off the oven and leave the peppers inside to finish cooking in the residual heat. This will help in loosening the skin and making it easier to peel.
4. Remove the peppers from the oven and peel them under running cold water. The skin should come off easily. Also, remove the seeds from the peppers.
5. Cut the roasted red peppers into strips and arrange them on a serving platter or in a bowl.
6. Sprinkle the peppers with minced garlic, salt, and pepper according to taste.
7. Drizzle the olive oil over the roasted red peppers, making sure to evenly coat them.
8. Cover the serving platter or bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the roasted red peppers for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.
9. Serve the roasted red peppers as a first course or lunch fare. They can be enjoyed on their own, as part of an antipasto platter, or as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or bruschetta.

NOTE:

• For an aesthetically pleasing presentation, you can use peppers of different colors, such as red, yellow, and orange. This will add vibrant colors to your dish.

Roasted red peppers in olive oil are a delicious and versatile addition to your meals. Enjoy their sweet and smoky flavors as a delightful appetizer or as an ingredient in various culinary creations.