Imagine transforming ordinary red bell peppers into a mouthwatering, smoky delicacy that will make your taste buds dance with joy! These roasted red bell peppers are not just a side dish; they're a culinary journey that elevates any meal from mundane to magnificent. With just a few simple steps, you'll create a Mediterranean masterpiece that looks like it was prepared by a professional chef, but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even roasting.
- Wash the red bell peppers thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Pat the peppers dry completely with clean paper towels to ensure proper roasting.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the peppers in half, removing the stem, seeds, and white membranes from the interior.
- Place the pepper halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, skin side up.
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the peppers, using a pastry brush to ensure complete coverage.
- Sprinkle salt across the peppers to enhance their natural flavor.
- Roast the peppers in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin becomes charred and slightly blistered.
- Remove the peppers from the oven and immediately transfer them to a bowl.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the peppers steam for 10-15 minutes, which will help loosen the skin.
- Once cooled, gently peel off the charred skin using your fingers or a small knife.
- Optional: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving for added depth of flavor.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or appetizer.
Tips
- Choose peppers that are firm, vibrant red, and free from blemishes for the best roasting results.
- Always pat the peppers completely dry before roasting to ensure proper charring and prevent steaming.
- Position your oven rack in the middle to guarantee even roasting and prevent burning.
- Don't rush the steaming process after roasting - this step is crucial for easy skin removal.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary before roasting.
- If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can also roast peppers directly over a gas flame or on a grill.
- Store leftover roasted peppers in an airtight container with a little olive oil for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
