What to do with sweet peppers: Delicious recipes to try

Sweet bell peppers, also known as capsicum, are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes. Whether raw, roasted, sautéed, or grilled, sweet peppers add a sweet, slightly tangy, and crunchy flavor to a variety of recipes. If you’re looking for some new recipe ideas to use up all those sweet peppers, look no further. In this article, we’re going to share some delicious recipes to try with sweet peppers.

The Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Peppers

Sweet peppers are packed with nutritional benefits that make them an excellent addition to any healthy diet. One medium-sized sweet pepper contains only about 30 calories and is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin A is essential for good vision and a healthy immune system, while potassium is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.

Roasted Sweet Pepper Salad

Roasting sweet peppers is a great way to bring out their sweet flavor and create a rich, smoky taste. This roasted sweet pepper salad is a colorful and delicious side dish that can be served with any meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 sweet red peppers
  • 4 sweet yellow peppers
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Cut the peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
  3. Arrange the peppers cut-side down on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the peppers are soft and slightly charred.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Place the roasted peppers in a large bowl and toss with the vinaigrette.
  7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.

Sweet Pepper Stir-Fry

Stir-fry dishes are a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge. This sweet pepper stir-fry is packed with flavor and antioxidants.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 sweet peppers, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat.
  2. Add the garlic and onion and stir-fry for 1 minute.
  3. Add the sweet peppers and stir-fry for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the peppers are slightly softened.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, cornstarch, and water.
  5. Pour the sauce over the pepper mixture and stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the peppers are fully cooked.
  6. Serve over rice.

Grilled Sweet Pepper Skewers

Grilling sweet peppers brings out a delicious smoky flavor and creates a beautiful charred presentation. These grilled sweet pepper skewers are a fun and easy appetizer or side dish to prepare.

Ingredients

  • 4 sweet peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Slide the sweet pepper pieces onto skewers.
  4. Brush the sweet pepper skewers with the olive oil mixture.
  5. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the sweet peppers are tender and slightly charred.
  6. Serve hot.

Sweet Pepper and Chickpea Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a Middle Eastern dish that consists of eggs cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. This sweet pepper and chickpea shakshuka is a delicious and hearty vegetarian version of the classic dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 sweet peppers, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and sweet peppers and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened.
  3. Add the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper and sauté for another minute, or until the spices are fragrant.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes and chickpeas and stir to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  6. Use a spoon to make 4 wells in the sauce.
  7. Crack an egg into each well.
  8. Cover the skillet and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
  9. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.

Sweet Pepper and Bacon Frittata

Frittatas are a great way to use up leftover vegetables and create a filling and delicious breakfast or brunch dish. This sweet pepper and bacon frittata is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 sweet peppers, sliced
  • 8 eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook the bacon in a large oven-safe skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper towel.
  3. Add the onion and sweet peppers to the skillet and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until slightly softened.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and stir to combine with the onion and sweet peppers.
  6. Sprinkle the bacon and shredded cheese on top.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the frittata is fully cooked and slightly golden on top.
  8. Slice and serve hot.

The Bottom Line

Sweet peppers are a delicious and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a wide range of recipes. Whether you’re looking for a side dish, appetizer, main course, or breakfast dish, there’s a sweet pepper recipe that’s perfect for you. From roasted sweet pepper salad to sweet pepper and bacon frittata, these recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

FAQs about Sweet Peppers

  • Q: How do you store sweet peppers?
  • A: Sweet peppers should be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Q: Can you freeze sweet peppers?
  • A: Yes, sweet peppers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wash, chop, and remove the seeds and membranes, then freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
  • Q: Are sweet peppers spicy?
  • A: No, sweet peppers are not spicy. They have a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and are not hot.
  • Q: Can you eat the seeds and membranes of sweet peppers?
  • A: Yes, the seeds and membranes of sweet peppers are edible, but some people prefer to remove them before cooking or eating.

References

  • https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bell-peppers-101#nutrition
  • https://www.food.com/recipe/roasted-pepper-salad-353503
  • https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/stir_fried_sweet_peppers_with_onion_and_garlic/
  • https://www.food.com/recipe/grilled-sweet-pepper-skewers-278444
  • https://www.delish.com/uk/cooking/recipes/a30983730/sweet-pepper-chickpea-shakshuka-recipe/
  • https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/sweet-pepper-and-bacon-frittata-recipe-1973713

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