Rustic roasted red peppers
Enjoy the last of summer produce from farmers markets by marinating some red peppers for a delicious side dish.
As the season changes from summer to autumn, there’s still time to enjoy summer veggies from the farmers market. Preserve and enjoy them in a new way by marinating, curing, pickling, or freezing them.
Roasting vegetables and then marinating them in olive oil allows you to savor them throughout the week. You can roast peppers over an open flame, or over a gas or electric stove. Whichever method you choose, be sure to check the peppers and rotate them for even cooking.
These marinated peppers are versatile. They can be used in salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish. A classic pairing is with fresh, rustic bread and mozzarella or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Servings: 4, as a side dish
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 red peppers
- 1 garlic clove, shaved with a mandolin or cut thinly with a chef’s knife
- 1 sprig basil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- To roast the peppers, turn your gas (or electric) burner on high heat and lay the pepper directly on the flame (or burner). In about 30 seconds the skin will start to burn. Use tongs to rotate until the pepper is blackened all around and has softened. This process will take 5 to 10 minutes.
- Once the pepper is completely blackened place it in a bowl and cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
- Remove peppers from bowl and wipe off charred peel with a paper towel or your hand. Do not rinse the peppers as that will dilute the flavor.
- Cut a lengthwise slit in the pepper and lay the pepper flat on a cutting board. Scrape off seeds with a knife.
- Tear peppers into strips and place in bowl. Cover with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Garnish with torn basil leaves and shaved garlic.
- Store in the fridge for up to a week. Let the marinated peppers come to room temperature to soften the olive oil before serving.
Nutrition information (per serving)
- Calories: 130
- Total fat: 10
- Saturated fat: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Total carbohydrate: 8 g
- Dietary fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 5 g
- Added sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g