Roasted Pepper Salad

Roasted Pepper Salad with Garlic Recipe

Who doesn't love a roasted pepper salad? This simple and delicious recipe brings the intense and sweet flavors of peppers to your table, perfectly combined with garlic and olive oil. It is a popular recipe with deep roots in culinary traditions, offering not only a fantastic taste but also an excellent way to preserve peppers for several weeks. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or even as a main ingredient, this roasted pepper salad will surely become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 5-6 bell peppers (or red peppers, if you prefer)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- Olive oil (enough to coat the peppers)
- Vinegar (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)

Recipe History:
Roasted peppers are a delicacy appreciated in many cultures, often used in traditional dishes. Roasting the peppers intensifies their sweetness and gives them a soft texture, perfect for salads or even sauces. This simple recipe allows the flavors to shine, and the combination with garlic adds an extra layer of flavor.

Step by Step:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by washing the peppers thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to dry them with a clean towel to remove any moisture. Choose meaty peppers, preferably bell peppers, for a tasty salad.

2. Roast the Peppers:
Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium heat. Place the peppers on the grill, turning them occasionally to cook evenly. Be careful not to leave them on the grill too long, as they may burn, and the skin will become difficult to remove. The peppers are ready when the skin turns black and they puff up, generally after about 15-20 minutes.

3. Peel the Peppers:
Once the peppers are roasted, remove them from the grill and place them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or in a plastic bag. This step will help them steam and make peeling much easier. After about 10 minutes, carefully remove the skin, making sure not to lose any of the delicious flesh. Rinse the peppers under cold running water to remove any remaining skin and let them drain in a colander.

4. Prepare the Garlic:
Peel the garlic cloves and slice them thinly. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the roasted peppers.

5. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the roasted peppers, garlic slices, salt, vinegar, and olive oil. Gently mix, being careful not to crush the peppers. The oil and vinegar should be enough to coat the peppers, but you can adjust the quantities according to your taste. Flavor is important, so feel free to taste and adjust the salt and vinegar to your liking.

6. Store the Salad:
If you want to keep the roasted pepper salad, transfer it to a sterilized jar and cover it with oil and vinegar. It can be stored in the fridge for a few weeks, becoming a quick and healthy snack.

Practical Tips:
- Choose quality peppers that are firm and blemish-free. Bell peppers are the best for this recipe due to their sweetness.
- Experiment with additional flavors, such as olives or fresh herbs (basil, parsley), to add a touch of freshness.
- If you prefer a spicier note, add a few slices of hot pepper to the mix.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use different peppers?
Yes, green or yellow peppers can be used, but bell peppers provide the best sweetness.

2. How can I enhance the flavor of the salad?
Adding fresh herbs or spices like sweet paprika or black pepper can significantly enhance the flavor.

3. Is roasted pepper salad healthy?
Yes! Peppers are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet.

Serving:
Roasted pepper salad is delicious served alongside fresh bread, cheeses, or as a side dish for grilled meat. You can pair it with a dry white wine or a lager beer to complete the meal. This recipe is not only a feast for the taste buds but also an excellent way to bring color and health to your daily diet.

Variations:
If you want to explore other variations, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or even cooked chickpeas for added texture and nutrition. You can also prepare a roasted pepper salad with feta or mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess.

Now that you know how to prepare a delicious roasted pepper salad, all that's left is to enjoy the culinary magic and impress your family and friends with this simple yet flavorful dish. Cooking is an art, and roasted peppers are certainly one of the most beautiful masterpieces you can create in your own kitchen!