Grilled Peppers

Grilled peppers are a simple but delicious dish and are a perfect side for many occasions. Here is how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• Red, yellow, or green peppers as desired
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Coarse salt
• Garlic (optional)
• Oregano or other aromatic herbs to taste (optional)

Preparation

1. Wash the peppers and dry them well.
2. Turn on the grill or a griddle and bring it to a high temperature.
3. Place the whole peppers on the grill and let them cook, turning occasionally, until the skin becomes blackened and quite charred on all sides. This process should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the peppers and the temperature of the grill.
4. Once the peppers are well grilled, transfer them to an airtight container or a plastic food bag and let them rest for about 10 minutes. The moisture that will be created will make them easier to clean.
5. After resting, remove the charred skin of the peppers, which should come off easily. Also remove the seeds and the white internal ribs.
6. Cut the peppers into strips or pieces as you prefer and arrange them in a bowl.
7. Dress with extra virgin olive oil, coarse salt, and if you like, with a finely chopped garlic clove and aromatic herbs such as oregano or thyme.
8. Allow the grilled peppers to flavor for at least one hour before serving, so the flavors will blend better.

Grilled peppers can be served either at room temperature or cold, as a side dish for grilled meat or fish, but also as an appetizer, perhaps accompanied by some good homemade bread.

Curiosity

In Italy, especially in the South, grilled peppers are a classic of summer cuisine. Sometimes they are enriched with capers, olives, or anchovies for an even more Mediterranean taste.