Roasted Pepper Dish

Roasted Pepper Dish – a delicacy that combines the intense aroma of peppers with the sweetness of onions and the flavor of garlic. This simple yet refined recipe, which can be served warm or cold, is sure to become a taste memory you will never forget. With a combination of accessible ingredients and an easy-to-follow preparation technique, I invite you to discover a dish that will delight the taste buds of the whole family.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 15 bell peppers (can also be capia, in various colors for an attractive appearance)
- 3 large red onions
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 5 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 100 g of tomato paste (ideally homemade)
- 8 ripe tomatoes
- Fresh dill or parsley, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 cup of water
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the peppers: Start by washing the peppers well under a stream of cold water. Remove the seeds and cut them into large pieces. This will not only facilitate cooking but also allow for an even distribution of flavors.

2. Chopping the onion and garlic: Slice 2 onions into rings, while leaving the other 6 cloves of garlic whole for roasting. These will add an intense flavor to the dish.

3. Roasting the vegetables: Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Place the peppers in the center, and the onion and garlic around the edges. Drizzle everything with 3 tablespoons of olive oil (it is recommended to use a spray bottle for even coverage). Roast the vegetables in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, until they become tender and slightly browned.

4. Preparing the base: In a large pot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of water. Chop the remaining onion and garlic (3 cloves) finely and add them to the pot. Sprinkle a little salt over them and cover with a lid. Cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.

5. Preparing the tomato sauce: Grate the tomatoes, and the resulting juice is placed in a food processor or blender to obtain a smooth sauce. Add this sauce to the pot along with the tomato paste, sweet paprika, bay leaf, and water. Mix the ingredients well and let simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, so the flavors can blend perfectly.

6. Adding the roasted vegetables: Remove the peppers, onion, and garlic from the oven and add them to the pot. Stir with a spatula to combine all the ingredients. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper according to your preferences.

7. Finalizing the dish: Check the consistency of the sauce. If it is too thick, add a little water. If desired, finely chop the dill or parsley and add it to the pot for an extra touch of freshness. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, offering delicious flexibility.

Serving suggestions:

Serve the roasted pepper dish alongside Greek yogurt, which will add a creamy and refreshing note. This combination not only enhances the flavor but also provides a pleasant contrast between the intense flavors of the roasted vegetables and the freshness of the yogurt.

Tips and variations:

- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few chopped green or black olives, which will provide a salty note and an extra texture.
- If you like it spicy, add some freshly chopped hot pepper or chili flakes to the tomato sauce.
- For a vegan version, make sure that the tomato paste used does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Nutritional benefits:

This dish is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C from the peppers and tomatoes, and has a low calorie content, making it perfect for a balanced diet. Olive oil provides healthy fats, while garlic helps boost the immune system.

Practical tips:

- Choose fresh vegetables: Ensure that the peppers and tomatoes are ripe, as they will add a richer flavor to the final dish.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic brings a more intense and pleasant taste than dried garlic.
- Prepare in advance: The roasted pepper dish can be made a few hours before serving and stores well in the refrigerator. The flavors intensify as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.

This roasted pepper dish recipe thus transforms into an unforgettable culinary experience that will bring joy to your table. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away by the unmistakable flavors of fresh ingredients!