Pepper Salad

Pepper Salad Recipe from Mozambique with Yellow, Red, and Green Peppers

Region / culture: Mozambique | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pepper salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This salad is made with a variety of peppers that are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and smokiness. The addition of olive oil and balsamic vinegar adds a tangy and savory flavor to the dish.

History

Pepper salad has its origins in Mediterranean cuisine, where peppers are a staple ingredient in many dishes. The combination of roasted peppers with olive oil and balsamic vinegar is a classic flavor profile that has been enjoyed for centuries.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Roast the peppers by placing the whole pepper on a broiler sheet or a grill.
Turn the peppers frequently until all sides are blackened.
Place the roasted peppers in a brown paper bag or a bowl covered with plastic wrap.
This will steam the peppers and make the skin easy to remove.
Remove the skin from the peppers.
Slice the peppers and arrange them in a colorful display on a platter.
Drizzle the sliced peppers with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garnish with basil sprigs.

Variations

Add roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled zucchini for a different twist on the classic pepper salad.
Mix in cooked quinoa or couscous for a heartier dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to turn the peppers frequently while roasting to ensure that all sides are evenly blackened.

- Allow the roasted peppers to steam in a bag or covered bowl to make it easier to remove the skin.

- Arrange the sliced peppers in a colorful display on a platter for a visually appealing presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pepper salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

- Add crumbled feta cheese or olives for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the peppers brings out their natural sweetness and smokiness, adding depth of flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any color of bell peppers or a combination of different colors for a vibrant and colorful salad.

Make Ahead Tips

The roasted peppers can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced peppers in a circular pattern on a platter for an elegant presentation. - Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the pepper salad with a crisp white wine or a light and refreshing beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Serve the salad at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

100

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 10g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 7g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 240% DV

- Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Vitamin K: 15% DV

- Potassium: 10% DV

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summary

This pepper salad is a low-calorie dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and nutritious option for a meal or side dish.

Summary

Pepper salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. The combination of roasted peppers with olive oil and balsamic vinegar creates a flavorful and colorful salad that is sure to impress. Enjoy this dish as a side dish or a light lunch option.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Pepper Salad. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known in our small town for her delicious and inventive dishes. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the intoxicating aroma of fresh herbs and spices. Margaret was bustling about, chopping vegetables and tossing them into a large bowl with a look of concentration on her face.

"What are you making, Margaret?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

"Oh, just a little something I learned from my grandmother back in Italy," she replied with a smile. "It's a simple yet flavorful Pepper Salad that is perfect for hot days like today."

I watched in awe as Margaret effortlessly mixed together vibrant bell peppers, ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and pungent red onions. She drizzled the salad with olive oil, sprinkled it with salt and pepper, and then added a generous squeeze of lemon juice. The colors and aromas mingled together in a beautiful symphony of flavors that made my mouth water.

As Margaret handed me a spoonful of the salad to taste, I was immediately hooked. The crispness of the vegetables, the tanginess of the lemon, and the warmth of the pepper all danced on my taste buds in perfect harmony. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Over the next few weeks, Margaret graciously taught me the ins and outs of her Pepper Salad recipe. She showed me how to choose the freshest vegetables, how to slice them just right, and how to season them with just the perfect amount of herbs and spices. I took notes diligently, asking questions and experimenting with different variations until I felt confident in my ability to recreate Margaret's masterpiece.

Once I had mastered the recipe, I began to share it with my family and friends. They all raved about the unique flavors and textures of the Pepper Salad, and soon it became a staple at every potluck and gathering. I was proud to have learned such a wonderful recipe from my dear friend Margaret, and I knew that it would be a cherished part of my culinary repertoire for years to come.

As time went on, I continued to collect recipes from various places and people, each one adding a new layer of flavor and history to my cooking. But the Pepper Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious taste, but for the memories of friendship and discovery that it represents. I am grateful to Margaret for sharing her grandmother's recipe with me, and I look forward to passing it down to future generations so that they too can experience the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious from simple ingredients and a lot of love.