Roasted peppers

Roasted Peppers with Garlic Sauce - A Flavorful Summer Recipe

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Welcome to the world of flavors and colors! Today, I invite you to discover a simple yet exquisite recipe: roasted peppers with garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for warm summer days when we want to enjoy the garden's bounty and the atmosphere of an al fresco meal.

But let's start with a story. One summer morning, the sun cast its gentle rays over the garden, and I ventured out to pick the most beautiful peppers in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and green. Each pepper had its own story, and I knew that once roasted, it would become the star of the meal.

Here’s what you will need to prepare this delicacy:

Ingredients:
- Peppers (preferably a mix of colors)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- White wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- A few cloves of garlic
- Salt

Ingredient details:
The peppers are the base of this dish, and choosing them is essential. Select peppers that are firm and well-ripened, as they will provide a more intense texture and flavor. Extra virgin olive oil will add a touch of refinement, while the vinegar will balance the sweetness of the peppers. Garlic, of course, will add an extra layer of flavor.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the peppers: Start by preheating the grill or oven (to 200°C). Select the peppers and wash them well under running water. Dry them with a clean towel.

2. Roasting the peppers: Place the peppers on the grill or in a baking tray. Roast them for 30-45 minutes, turning them every 10-15 minutes. The goal is to achieve a charred skin, which will add a smoky flavor to the dish.

3. Resting the peppers: Once the peppers are evenly roasted, remove them from the grill and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle a little salt and cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial, as the salt will help loosen the skin.

4. Peeling the peppers: After they have cooled, carefully peel the peppers under a stream of cold water. This method will make the skin come off easily.

5. Preparing the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, and crushed garlic. Mix well to integrate the flavors. You can adjust the quantities to taste – more oil for a smoother texture or more vinegar for a tangier note.

6. Serving: Arrange the peeled peppers on a platter and drizzle the garlic sauce over them. Let them absorb the flavors for a few minutes before serving. Roasted peppers are delicious cold, often accompanied by eggplant salad and slices of fresh tomatoes.

Practical tips:
- You can also add other ingredients to the sauce, such as fresh basil or dill, to customize the flavor.
- If you want a spicy version, add a few slices of hot pepper to the sauce.
- Roasted peppers can be stored in the fridge for a few days, making them ideal for salads or as a side dish for various meals.

Nutritional benefits:
Peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, having antioxidant properties. Additionally, regular consumption of peppers can support the immune system and skin health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned peppers? While fresh peppers are recommended for a crunchy texture, canned peppers can be a quick alternative, but they won’t have the same smoky flavor.
- How can I serve roasted peppers? Besides eggplant salad, they pair perfectly with cheeses, fresh bread, or as a filling for sandwiches.

In the end, remember that recipes are an opportunity to explore and express your creativity in the kitchen. So, take the peppers from the garden and let them become the stars of your meal! Enjoy your meal!