Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful side dish or appetizer? Look no further! This recipe for Fried Italian Peppers is a delicious and satisfying addition to any meal. It's perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even a sophisticated antipasto platter. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you'll be enjoying these crispy, garlicky peppers in no time. This recipe is a testament to the magic of simple, homemade cooking and showcases the best of fresh, seasonal produce. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 large Italian frying peppers (also known as long sweet peppers), stemmed, seeded, and sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or enough to coat the bottom of a large skillet)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Peppers: Wash and thoroughly dry the Italian peppers. Remove the stems and seeds, then slice them lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips. Patting them dry is crucial for achieving a crispy result.
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Create the Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the spices are evenly distributed in the flour.
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Coat the Peppers: Add the sliced peppers to the flour mixture, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly. Make sure all the pepper strips are fully covered with the seasoned flour.
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Fry the Peppers: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a small piece of pepper should sizzle immediately when added), carefully add the coated pepper strips in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
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Cook to Perfection: Fry the peppers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and tender-crisp. Avoid burning them; adjust the heat as needed.
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Drain and Serve: Once cooked, remove the peppers from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy. These fried peppers are delicious on their own or as a side dish with pasta, grilled meats, or fish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Fried Italian Peppers:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy peppers instead of crispy ones. Work in batches for best results.
- Use fresh peppers: Fresh, high-quality peppers will yield the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
- Serve immediately: Fried Italian peppers are best enjoyed immediately while they are hot and crispy.
Delicious Variations:
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the peppers during the last minute of cooking for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb infusion: Add some dried oregano or basil to the flour mixture for an aromatic twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 150-200 Fat: 10-15g Protein: 2-3g Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This is a quick and easy recipe perfect for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy your delicious homemade fried Italian peppers! They're sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, best recipes, and delicious dishes to make at home.