Roasted bell pepper salad

Delicious Roasted Bell Pepper Salad - A Simple and Tasty Recipe

If you are looking for a recipe that brings a burst of flavor to your table and is easy to prepare, roasted bell pepper salad is the perfect choice! This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds. It is a versatile dish, ideal for side dishes or as an appetizer, that can be enjoyed during fasting days as well as festive occasions. So, let's get started!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 50-60 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 1 kg bell peppers
- 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 50 ml balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Ground pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill, for garnish

A Brief History

The bell pepper, with its characteristic shape and sweet taste, has been cultivated for centuries in various cultures, appreciated for its aroma and rich vitamin content. Today's dish has its roots in the culinary tradition of using roasted vegetables, enhancing their texture and flavor. Roasted bell pepper salad is a recipe that has crossed generations, bringing an authentic and healthy taste to our tables.

Preparation Technique

1. Preparing the peppers:
Start by washing the bell peppers thoroughly under cold running water. After cleaning them, dry them with a paper towel. Now is the perfect time to prepare for roasting! If you have a grill in your yard, it’s the ideal place to roast the peppers, but you can also use the oven. Preheat it to 200 degrees Celsius if you choose this option.

2. Roasting the peppers:
Place the peppers on the grill or in a baking tray, making sure to turn them occasionally to roast evenly on all sides. Roasting takes about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the skin blackens and the peppers are tender. Once done, place them in a bowl and sprinkle a little salt over them. Cover the bowl with a lid or aluminum foil, letting the peppers sweat for 10-15 minutes. This will make peeling easier.

3. Peeling the peppers:
After sweating, peel the skin off the peppers. This step may seem daunting, but with a little patience, it will be simple. Just remove the skin with your hands or with a knife, being careful not to damage the flesh.

4. Preparing the dressing:
In a jar with a lid, add the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and thinly sliced garlic cloves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Put the lid on and shake the jar well to emulsify the ingredients. The dressing will add a note of freshness and enhance the flavors of the roasted peppers.

5. Assembling the salad:
Place the peeled peppers in a deep bowl and pour the prepared dressing over them. Gently mix to ensure each piece of pepper is coated with dressing. Sprinkle fresh dill on top for added flavor and freshness.

6. Serving:
This salad can be served simply as a side dish or alongside toasted bread. It is especially tasty on fasting days but will impress on special occasions as well. You can also combine roasted bell pepper salad with feta cheese or a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers for a more substantial lunch.

Tips and Tricks

- Choosing the peppers: Choose firm bell peppers without blemishes. Smaller peppers tend to be sweeter, so feel free to experiment with sizes.
- Spicy version: If you like a little heat, add a few fresh chilies to your dressing for an extra kick.
- Cook in large quantities: You can make a larger batch of salad, as it keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, intensifying the flavors.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This roasted bell pepper salad is not only delicious but also healthy! In each serving of about 100 g, you will find approximately 150 calories, making it a good choice for those looking to stay fit. Peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while olive oil brings healthy fats for the heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of peppers?
Of course! Regular sweet peppers or even hot peppers can be used, but the taste will vary.

- Can the salad be made without oil?
You can reduce the amount of oil or use a lemon-based dressing for a lighter version.

- What are the best accompaniments?
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish, as well as with grilled vegetable dishes.

With this roasted bell pepper salad recipe, you now have not just a simple way to prepare a delicious dish but also an opportunity to bring a splash of color and flavor to your table. Remember that cooking is an art, and each recipe is a story you share with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!