Are you looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish or ingredient to elevate your meals? Look no further! This grilled red pepper recipe is your answer. It's unbelievably easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a sophisticated addition to your next barbecue, these sweet and smoky peppers are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. This recipe provides healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and showcases the joy of homemade cooking. Get ready for a burst of deliciousness!
Ingredients:
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Peppers
- Wash the red peppers thoroughly and remove the stems. Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
Step 2: Grilling the Peppers
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Lightly brush the cut sides of the peppers with olive oil.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
- Place the pepper halves cut-side down on the grill grates.
- Grill for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the skin is blackened and slightly charred. You'll know they're ready when you see nice grill marks and the skin is easily pliable. Flip them halfway through to ensure even grilling.
Step 3: Peeling and Serving
- Remove the peppers from the grill and let them cool slightly. This step is crucial as it makes peeling much easier.
- Once cool enough to handle, place the peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. This helps steam the peppers, making peeling even easier. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes.
- Peel off the charred skin. This should come off relatively easily. If not, use a knife to help gently peel away stubborn bits of skin.
- Once peeled, slice or chop the peppers into strips or pieces to your liking.
Tips for the Best Grilled Red Peppers:
- Choosing Peppers: Select firm, brightly colored red bell peppers for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't Overcrowd the Grill: Leave enough space between the pepper halves for even cooking.
- Watch for Burning: Keep a close eye on the peppers while they’re grilling to prevent burning.
- Charring is Key: The charring adds a wonderful smoky flavor, don't be afraid to get them nicely blackened.
Variations:
- Spicy Grilled Peppers: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a touch of heat.
- Herb-Infused Peppers: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. Simply add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs to the seasoning.
- ** Balsamic Glaze:** Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the finished peppers for a sweet and tangy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: Approximately 30-40
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-7g
- Fiber: Approximately 1-2g
- Vitamin C: A good source
This grilled red pepper recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes and delicious dishes. They're fantastic served as a simple side dish, added to salads, used as a topping for pizzas or tacos, or incorporated into countless other dishes. Enjoy the sweet and smoky goodness! These healthy meals are quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy the satisfying experience of homemade cooking.