Roasted peppers with sour cream

Baked Peppers with Cream

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

Recipe Description

Baked peppers with cream are a delicacy that brings a touch of comfort and flavor to every family's table. This simple yet flavorful dish is popular for its creamy texture and intense flavors. The peppers, when ripe, become sweet and beautifully caramelized, and the combination with cream gives them an irresistible richness. What's more, the recipe is versatile and easily adaptable depending on the ingredients available.

A Brief History

Over the ages, roasted peppers have been prized in various cultures for their exquisite flavor and versatility in cooking. This cooking method brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetable, making it a staple ingredient in many recipes. Whether served as a side dish or as a main course with porridge, roasted peppers have become a symbol of comfort in kitchens around the world.

Ingredients

- 1.5 kg capia peppers (red or green, preferably capia for sweetness)
- 500 g cream (choose a heavy cream for better consistency)
- 2 tablespoons flour (wheat flour is ideal, but you can also use wholemeal flour)
- 100 g oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)
- Salt to taste
- A bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Step by step

Step 1: Prepare the peppers

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C. Place the peppers on a baking tray and place in the oven. Bake them for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is black and bubbly and the flesh is soft. Alternatively, you can use a griddle or grill to bake them.

2. Peeling the Peppers: Once the peppers are ripe, remove them from the oven and place them in a bowl covered with a lid or plastic wrap to let the steam help them lose their skins. After 10-15 minutes, peel and cut them into thin strips, removing the seeds.

Step 2: Making the cream sauce

3. Cream Mix: In a bowl, combine the cream and flour. Use a whisk to make a smooth, lump-free paste. This mixture will help thicken the sauce and add a creamy texture to the final dish.

Step 3: Cooking the peppers

4. Browning the Peppers: In a large skillet, heat the oil over low heat. Add the strips of roasted peppers and sauté for 5-10 minutes, until they become slightly caramelized and release their flavors. Low heat is essential to avoid burning the peppers.

5. Adding the Sauce: Once the peppers are done, add the cream and flour mixture to the pan. Stir gently to combine the ingredients and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens and binds with the peppers.

6. Seasoning: Add salt to taste and stir again. At the end, turn off the heat and sprinkle the finely chopped parsley on top for extra freshness and color.

Serving

Baked peppers with cream are delicious hot or cold. You can serve them as a side dish with roast poultry or as a main course with steamed porridge. Another idea is to serve them with toast or as part of an appetizer platter.

Possible Variations

- Green peppers: You can experiment with green capia peppers, but they won't be as sweet as the red ones.
- Added flavors: For extra flavor, you can add crushed garlic or aromatic herbs like basil or oregano while the peppers are cooking.
- Flour alternative: If you want to reduce gluten, you can use almond flour or coconut flour, but the result will be slightly different.

Nutrition Facts

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the peppers, which are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A and antioxidants. The cream adds healthy fats, but it's worth noting that portions should be moderate, especially if you're watching your calorie intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen peppers? Yes, you can use frozen peppers, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.
2. What else can I serve with baked peppers? A fresh green salad or mashed potatoes can complement this dish perfectly.
3. How can I store leftover peppers? You can refrigerate baked peppers in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat them in a bain-marie or in the oven to preserve their texture.

Personal note

I fondly remember times spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, showing me how to cook peppers on the stove. The flavor wafting throughout the house was simply irresistible. This recipe reminds me of those times and every bite refreshes my memories. I encourage you to try this recipe at home and share this wonderful culinary experience with your loved ones!