Are you looking to add some spice and flavor to your meals? Look no further than your own garden! Fresh garden peppers are a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish. In this article, we will explore the best ways to cook with these vibrant peppers, from grilling and roasting to incorporating them into sauces and stir-fries. Get ready to take your culinary creations to the next level with the natural heat and unique taste of fresh garden peppers.
Roasting
Roasted Stuffed Bell Peppers
Roasted stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. To make these tasty treats, start by selecting large, firm bell peppers in a variety of colors. Cut off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. In a separate bowl, combine your choice of fillings such as cooked rice, ground meat, or beans along with seasonings and cheese. Stuff each pepper with the filling mixture and place them in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in a preheated oven until the peppers are soft and the filling is heated through and golden brown on top. Serve these roasted stuffed bell peppers as a main course or as a side dish for a truly satisfying meal.
Roasted Pepper Salsa
Roasted pepper salsa is a flavorful twist on traditional salsa that will surely liven up your next party or gathering. Start by preheating your broiler and lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Cut a variety of bell peppers and other spicy peppers in half and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them cut-side down on the baking sheet and broil until the skins are charred and blistered. Remove from the oven and let them cool. Once cooled, peel off the skins and dice the roasted peppers. In a mixing bowl, combine the peppers with diced tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, lime juice, and your choice of seasonings. Mix well and let the flavors marinate for at least an hour. This roasted pepper salsa can be served with tortilla chips, as a garnish for grilled meats or vegetables, or as a topping for tacos and burritos.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Roasted red pepper hummus is a delicious and nutritious dip that is perfect for snacking or entertaining. To make this flavorful dip, start by roasting red bell peppers under the broiler until the skins are charred and blistered. Remove from the oven and let them cool. Once cooled, peel off the skins and remove the seeds and membranes. In a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers with cooked chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and your choice of seasonings. Process until smooth and creamy, adding a little water or olive oil as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Serve this roasted red pepper hummus with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches and wraps. It’s a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional hummus that is sure to please.
Grilling
Grilled Bell Pepper and Chicken Skewers
Grilled bell pepper and chicken skewers are a tasty and colorful addition to any barbecue or cookout. To make these flavorful skewers, start by cutting bell peppers and boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, marinate the chicken with your choice of seasonings and olive oil for at least 30 minutes. Assemble the skewers by threading the chicken and bell pepper pieces onto skewers, alternating colors for a vibrant presentation. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and the peppers are slightly charred. Serve these delicious grilled bell pepper and chicken skewers with rice, salad, or as a filling for wraps or pita bread.
Grilled Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Grilled stuffed poblano peppers are a smoky and flavorful dish that combines the mild heat of poblano peppers with a savory filling. Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. Cut the poblano peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. In a bowl, combine cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onions, and your choice of seasonings. Stuff each pepper half with the filling mixture and sprinkle with cheese. Place the stuffed peppers on the grill, close the lid, and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. These grilled stuffed poblano peppers make a delicious and satisfying vegetarian main course or a flavorful side dish for grilled meats.
Grilled Pepper Salad
Grilled pepper salad is a vibrant and delicious side dish that showcases the flavors of fresh garden peppers. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Cut a variety of bell peppers and other sweet or spicy peppers into quarters, removing the seeds and membranes. Brush the peppers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the peppers until they are slightly charred and tender. Remove from the grill and let them cool. Once cooled, slice the grilled peppers into thin strips and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice, olive oil, and your choice of herbs and seasonings. Toss well to combine. This grilled pepper salad is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or seafood, or it can be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing side dish.
Stir-Frying
Spicy Stir-Fried Peppers and Onions
Spicy stir-fried peppers and onions make a quick and flavorful side dish or accompaniment to grilled meats or stir-fried noodles. Start by slicing a variety of bell peppers and onions into thin strips. In a wok or large skillet, heat oil over high heat. Add the peppers and onions and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are crisp-tender. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chili sauce, ginger, garlic, and a pinch of sugar. Pour the sauce over the peppers and onions and toss to coat. Cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly. This spicy stir-fried peppers and onions dish adds a burst of color and flavor to any meal.
Stir-Fried Pepper Steak
Stir-fried pepper steak is a classic Chinese-American dish that features tender strips of beef cooked with bell peppers in a savory sauce. To make this flavorful stir-fry, start by slicing a lean steak, such as flank or sirloin, into thin strips. In a bowl, marinate the beef with soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and a pinch of sugar for about 20 minutes. In a hot wok or large skillet, heat oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for a few minutes until it is browned. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside. In the same wok, add sliced bell peppers and onions and stir-fry until they are crisp-tender. Return the beef to the wok and add a cornstarch slurry and the remaining marinade. Cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens. Serve this delicious stir-fried pepper steak with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Stir-Fried Shrimp and Peppers
Stir-fried shrimp and peppers is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of shrimp with the crunch and vibrant colors of bell peppers. Start by peeling and deveining fresh shrimp, leaving the tails intact. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are crisp-tender. Remove the peppers from the wok and set aside. In the same wok, add the shrimp and stir-fry until they turn pink and opaque. Return the peppers to the wok and add a sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and a pinch of sugar. Toss the shrimp and peppers in the sauce until they are evenly coated and the sauce has thickened. This stir-fried shrimp and peppers dish is delicious served with steamed rice or noodles.
Baking
Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers
Stuffed mini sweet peppers are a delightful and colorful appetizer or side dish that is easy to prepare and sure to impress. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut small sweet peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, cooked bacon or sausage, and your choice of herbs and seasonings. Spoon the filling mixture into each pepper half and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. These stuffed mini sweet peppers are perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a tasty snack.
Baked Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
Baked stuffed jalapeno poppers are a spicy and cheesy appetizer that will wake up your taste buds. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, cooked crumbled bacon or cooked sausage, and your choice of herbs and seasonings. Spoon the filling mixture into each jalapeno half and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the peppers are tender, and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. These baked stuffed jalapeno poppers are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will add a spicy kick to any gathering.
Cheesy Pepperoni Bread
Cheesy pepperoni bread is a delicious and satisfying snack or party food that combines the flavors of cheese, pepperoni, and herbs. To make this tasty bread, start by preparing the dough using your favorite bread recipe or store-bought pizza dough. Roll out the dough into a rectangle shape. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Layer shredded cheese and slices of pepperoni on top of the sauce. Sprinkle with your choice of herbs and seasonings, such as garlic powder, oregano, or basil. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side, to create a log shape. Place the log on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with egg wash or olive oil and sprinkle with additional cheese and herbs if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. This cheesy pepperoni bread is a savory and satisfying treat that is perfect for game nights, parties, or as a delicious snack.
Sautéing
Sautéed Bell Peppers and Onions
Sautéed bell peppers and onions make a tasty and versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Start by slicing bell peppers and onions into thin strips. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced peppers and onions to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until they are softened and slightly caramelized. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices. This sautéed bell peppers and onions dish is a flavorful and colorful addition to sandwiches, tacos, fajitas, or as a topping for grilled meats or sausages.
Sautéed Banana Peppers with Garlic
Sautéed banana peppers with garlic is a simple yet delicious side dish or condiment that adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick to any meal. Start by slicing banana peppers into thin rings, removing the seeds if desired. Mince garlic cloves. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced banana peppers and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the peppers are softened and slightly golden. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. This sautéed banana peppers with garlic dish is a fantastic topping for burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, or as a flavorful addition to pasta dishes or salads.
Sautéed Pepper and Mushroom Medley
Sautéed pepper and mushroom medley is a delicious and nutritious side dish that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the sweetness of bell peppers. Start by slicing a variety of bell peppers and mushrooms into thin strips. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced peppers and mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until they are softened and slightly browned. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices. This sautéed pepper and mushroom medley can be served as a side dish for grilled meats or seafood, or can be added to omelettes, pasta dishes, or as a topping for pizzas or bruschetta.
Pickling
