How to Basics: Roasted Red Bell Peppers

A couple of months back I did a How To basic on caramelized onions. I wanted to make this a regular monthly addition, but somehow August turned into November really fast. There is a link for a printable version at the end.

Three things you need to know about roasted red bell peppers:
- There are three different ways to roast them
- They will keep in olive oil up to a week in the fridge
- Do not rinse them, some char is good

What you’ll need:
- red bell peppers – you can use any color really
- a zip lock bag OR a bowl and plastic wrap
- a grill or oven

Directions:

Step one - Start with clean peppers!

Step two – Choose your method:

Gas Burner Method
- Place one pepper directly over the flame of a gas burner. Use a medium flame and allow blackening all over, rotating the pepper. Each side will take about 2-3 minutes.

Just placed on the burner

Rotated...

Almost done

Grill Method
- Heat grill to medium high heat and place peppers directly yon grill. Rotate each side after it has blackened. Takes about 5-7 minutes per side.

Just placed on the grill

After two sides done...

Almost done

Broiler Oven Method

- Cut each side of the pepper off and remove membranes and seeds. Place skin side up and under the broiler (on broil) as close as you can get it, but no closer that 3 or 4 inches. Allow top side to fully blacken. Approximately 10 – 15 minutes. Do not flip.

Sliced and about to go in the oven

All done!

Step three – Place peppers immediately into a zip lock bag and seal, or into a glass or ceramic bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. I prefer zip lock bags. Close tightly and allow steaming for 15 – 20 minutes. You can leave them longer so they cool enough to handle.

Step four – Remove seeds, membranes and stems from peppers. Then gently remove blackened outer layer of skin. Do not rinse. Use immediately or place in a seal container covered with olive oil for up to one week in the fridge.

Four medium sized bell peppers yielded about 2 cups of roasted peppers.

Anyone of these methods would be a great way for you to get fresh roasted red bell peppers. Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with the jarred kind, but sometimes you want the freshest ingredients possible.

My next post will be using these for a Roasted Red Bell Pepper Pesto. It should be up in a day or two!

Click here for a printable version