Smoked Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette

Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette Recipe with Chipotle and Lime

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Smoked Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette is a flavorful and versatile dressing that can be used on salads, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for meats. The smoky flavor of the yellow peppers adds a unique twist to traditional vinaigrettes.

History

The recipe for Smoked Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette is inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine, where smoked peppers are commonly used to add depth and complexity to dishes. The combination of sweet yellow peppers, spicy chipotle, and tangy lime juice creates a well-balanced and delicious dressing.

Ingredients

2 yellow bell peppers, smoked and chilled, peeled and deseeded
0.5 canned chipotle pepper
0.25 medium red onion, roughly chopped
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
0.25 cup olive oil
1 tsp sugar
salt
freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

In a blender, combine the peppers, chipotle, onion, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
While the blender is still running, slowly add the olive oil until it becomes emulsified.
Add the sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

Add a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Substitute red bell peppers for yellow peppers for a different flavor profile.
Use apple cider vinegar instead of lime juice for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly smoke and chill the yellow peppers before using them in the vinaigrette to enhance the smoky flavor.

- Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper according to your spice preference. You can always add more for a spicier vinaigrette.

- Emulsify the olive oil slowly while blending to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Smoked Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette on a mixed green salad with grilled chicken or shrimp. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Smoking the yellow peppers adds a depth of flavor to the vinaigrette. You can smoke the peppers on a grill or stovetop smoker for about 20 minutes until they are charred and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find yellow bell peppers, you can use red or orange bell peppers as a substitute. You can also use canned roasted yellow peppers if fresh ones are not available.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the Smoked Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Drizzle the vinaigrette over a colorful salad or use it as a marinade for grilled meats. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Smoked Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette with grilled fish, roasted vegetables, or a quinoa salad. It also goes well with tacos, quesadillas, or as a dipping sauce for empanadas.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 140

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 4g

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 2g

Fats

Total Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 1g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 70% DV

Vitamin A: 15% DV

Iron: 2% DV

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Smoked Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette is a low-carb and low-calorie dressing that is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. It is a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal.

Summary

Smoked Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette is a versatile and flavorful dressing that adds a smoky twist to your favorite dishes. With a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, it is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it on salads, grilled meats, or as a marinade for vegetables.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Smoked Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette. It was a warm summer day, and I had just come back from the farmer's market with a basket full of fresh yellow peppers. As I was unpacking my bags, I stumbled upon a crumpled piece of paper tucked away in the bottom of one of the bags.

Curious, I unraveled the paper and saw the handwritten recipe for Smoked Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette. The ingredients list was simple - yellow peppers, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and a touch of smoked paprika. The instructions were straightforward, but the final result promised to be a flavorful and unique dressing that would elevate any salad or grilled vegetables.

I couldn't wait to try it out, so I immediately set to work roasting the yellow peppers over an open flame until they were charred and smoky. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew that this vinaigrette was going to be something special.

As I peeled the skin off the roasted peppers and blended them with the other ingredients, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had learned over the years. From my grandmother's hearty stews to my mother's delicate pastries, cooking had always been a way for me to connect with my family and heritage.

I thought about all the different people who had taught me their favorite recipes - the Italian neighbor who showed me how to make the perfect pasta sauce, the French chef who shared his secrets for a decadent chocolate mousse, and the Mexican abuela who taught me how to make the most delicious tamales.

Each recipe I learned added a new layer to my culinary repertoire, and I was grateful for the wealth of knowledge that had been passed down to me. But this recipe for Smoked Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette felt different somehow. It felt like a new adventure, a chance to explore flavors and techniques that were unfamiliar to me.

I poured the finished vinaigrette into a glass jar and gave it a taste. The smoky sweetness of the yellow peppers combined with the tangy vinegar and earthy garlic was a revelation. I knew that this vinaigrette would become a staple in my kitchen, a versatile condiment that could be drizzled over salads, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.

As I sat down to enjoy a simple salad dressed with the Smoked Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking. It was a skill that had brought me joy, comfort, and connection throughout my life. And as I savored each bite of my salad, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the endless possibilities that lay waiting to be discovered in the kitchen.