Fried peppers for the festive meal

Fried Peppers with Tomato Sauce - A Festive Delicacy

Welcome to the culinary world! Today, I invite you to discover a recipe for fried peppers that will bring a splash of color and flavor to your festive table. This recipe is simple yet full of aromas, and it will surely impress everyone who has the pleasure of savoring these delights.

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

Selected Ingredients

- Medium-sized sweet peppers: 4-5 pieces
- Tomatoes: 3-4 large, ripe
- Onion: 1 medium piece
- Carrot: 1 piece, preferably medium-sized
- Garlic: 1-2 cloves (to taste)
- Oil: 100 ml (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Salt: to taste

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Peppers
Start by washing the sweet peppers well under a stream of cold water. Make sure to dry them with a clean towel to avoid oil splattering during frying.

2. Heating the Oil
In a deep pan or skillet, add a glass (about 100 ml) of oil and let it heat up well. The pan will retain heat evenly, ensuring uniform frying of the peppers.

3. Frying the Peppers
Add 4-5 peppers at a time to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd it. Cover with a lid and let them fry for 3-4 minutes. After this interval, turn them over and fry for another 3-4 minutes until they become golden and slightly browned.

4. Peeling the Peppers
Once the peppers are fried, remove them with a spatula and place them in a plastic bag. Tie the bag and let them steam for 5 minutes. This will make the skins come off much easier.

5. Preparing the Tomato Sauce
While the peppers are cooling, you can prepare the tomato sauce. Finely chop the onion and sauté it in a little oil until golden. Add the sliced tomatoes and grated carrot. Let it simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finally, add the crushed garlic and salt to taste, along with a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity.

6. Assembling
Once the peppers have cooled, gently peel off the skins. Cut each pepper in half and fill each half with a spoonful of the prepared tomato sauce. Twist the peppers slightly so that the sauce is absorbed into their flesh.

7. Serving
The fried peppers can be served warm or at room temperature, as an appetizer or side dish. They are delicious alongside a slice of fresh bread or with a crisp green salad.

Suggestions and Variations

- Sauce Variations: You can add chopped black or green olives to the tomato sauce for extra flavor. Additionally, you can add herbs like basil or oregano to provide another level of aroma.
- Spicy Peppers: If you like it a bit spicy, you can add some hot peppers to the sauce mixture.
- Creative Sides: These fried peppers can be paired with a yogurt dip or tzatziki, offering a delicious creamy contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I store fried peppers?
Fried peppers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

2. Can I use frozen peppers?
While it's recommended to use fresh peppers, you can also use frozen peppers, but the frying time will be longer, and the texture may be slightly different.

3. What are the nutritional benefits of peppers?
Peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, making them very healthy. They contain antioxidants and are low in calories, which makes them an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

Final Notes

These fried peppers with tomato sauce are not just a simple dish, but a true explosion of flavors that will add a festive touch to your table. Try this recipe with an open heart and don’t forget to share your experience with your loved ones! Whether you choose to serve them as an appetizer or as part of a complete meal, I assure you they will delight everyone. Enjoy!