Roasted bell pepper paste or Goulash

Roasted Pepper Paste: A Delicacy Made with Love

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 400g

Every year, when the pepper season reaches its peak, I feel inspired to bring a touch of tradition into my kitchen. Today's recipe, roasted pepper paste, is a true culinary treasure, full of flavors and nostalgia. This paste can be enjoyed on a slice of fresh bread or used as a base ingredient in savory stews. Whether you prepare it for family or as a gift, it is a recipe that will surely impress.

A Little Story about Peppers

Peppers, these sweet and meaty vegetables, are renowned for their versatility in the kitchen. Used in salads, pickles, or cooked, they bring a note of freshness and flavor to the entire meal. Roasting the peppers not only enhances their aroma but also gives them a silky texture, ideal for a delicious paste.

Necessary Ingredients

- 3 kg peppers
- 100 ml olive oil
- 3-4 tablespoons salt (plus extra salt for dusting the roasted peppers)
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon Piri Piri sauce (for a hint of spice)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1-2 cm galangal (or ginger, if you can't find it)
- 1-2 cm crushed tamarind

Necessary Utensils

- Baking trays
- Parchment paper
- Food processor or meat grinder
- A large pot
- Sterilized jars
- Mortar (optional)

Step by Step: Cook with Love

1. Preparing the Peppers
Start by thoroughly washing the peppers under cold running water. Use a kitchen towel to dry them. The peppers should be completely dry to avoid steam during roasting.

2. Roasting the Peppers
Place the peppers on two baking trays lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and roast the peppers for 20 minutes. This process will not create smoke and mess, and the peppers will roast evenly.

3. Peeling the Peppers
After 20 minutes, take the trays out of the oven. Sprinkle salt over the peppers and cover them with a clean bag, letting them cool for 20-30 minutes. This method will help soften the skins, making them easy to remove.

4. Cleaning and Grinding
Once the peppers have cooled, peel off the skin and stems. Rinse them under cold water to remove the seeds. Place them in a colander for 10 minutes to drain excess water. Then, puree them using a food processor until you achieve a smooth paste.

5. Cooking the Paste
In a large pot, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium temperature. Add the pepper paste and stir constantly to prevent sticking. It is essential to stay by the pot and stir frequently, just like when making a vegetable spread.

6. Seasoning
After about 20 minutes, add salt, pepper, Piri Piri sauce, nutmeg, galangal, and tamarind. Mix well to integrate the flavors. Taste and adjust the spices according to your preferences.

7. Preserving
Once the paste is ready, pour it into the sterilized jars. Cover the jars with a blanket and let them cool slowly until the next day. Store them in your pantry, where they will remain fresh and delicious for a long time.

Useful Tips

- If you prefer a spicier paste, you can add more Piri Piri sauce or even chopped hot peppers.
- Experiment with herbs like oregano or basil for a unique flavor.
- This recipe can be easily adapted; you can replace the peppers with red bell peppers or other varieties of peppers.

Delicious Combinations

Roasted pepper paste can be served on a slice of toasted bread, alongside feta cheese, or as a side for grilled meat. It also pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or as an ingredient in hearty stews.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use raw peppers instead of roasted ones?
The roasting technique helps to intensify the flavors and achieve a finer texture. If you use raw peppers, you will need to adjust the cooking time.

2. How can I sterilize the jars?
You can sterilize the jars by boiling them for 10 minutes in boiling water or by washing them in the dishwasher at high temperatures.

3. How long does the paste last?
If stored properly, roasted pepper paste can last up to a year in the pantry.

Conclusion

Roasted pepper paste is not just a simple recipe, but also a way to bring joy into your home. Enjoy every moment of cooking, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, share it with your loved ones! With each jar, you will bring a piece of your summer to every meal. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 3 kg bell peppers 100 ml olive oil 3-4 tablespoons salt + salt for dusting the roasted peppers 1 tablespoon freshly ground pepper 1 teaspoon Piri Piri sauce 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg galangal tamarind

 Tags:  pepper paste