Piperies Xythates Marinated Bell Pepper Food

MARINATED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450˚ F. Put the peppers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Roast until the skins are charred in spots and the peppers are tender, 20 to 30 minutes (the Italian peppers may be done before the bell peppers). Remove the peppers to a large bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let the peppers steam so the skins loosen, at least 20 minutes.
• Carefully peel the skins off the peppers, scraping away any stuck bits using a paring knife. Lay the peppers flat on a cutting board and tear them open like a book; remove the stems and scrape away the seeds, then tear the peppers into long strips, about 1 1/2 inches wide. Transfer the strips to a medium bowl.
• Add the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, the vinegar, oregano, basil, garlic and a big pinch of salt to the peppers; toss. Transfer to a small jar and refrigerate at least 3 hours or up to 1 week.

PIPERIES XYTHATES: MARINATED BELL PEPPER

Steps:

• Wash peppers and trim stems (do not remove entirely), and cut into quarters from top to bottom. Do not remove seeds. Bring enough water to cover peppers to a boil, add peppers, and cook for 5-6 minutes, until partially softened. Drain in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and allow to cool for 20 minutes. Place in a ceramic or glass container and cover with red wine vinegar. Cover and refrigerate. Peppers are ready to use after 1 hour, and will keep for weeks. When ready to use, take pieces of pepper from the container and shake off excess vinegar. Serve marinated peppers as an appetizer or side salad: Cut marinated peppers into thin slices or smaller pieces and drizzle with olive oil to taste.

BIG-BATCH MARINATED BELL PEPPERS

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for high heat. Clean and lightly oil grates. Grill peppers, turning occasionally, until skins are blackened and blistered all over, 15-20 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl, cover with a lid, plate, or plastic wrap, and let cool.
• Remove skins and seeds from peppers; discard. Tear flesh into about 2"-wide strips. Transfer to a clean large bowl and toss with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes. Let marinate at least 30 minutes.
• Do Ahead: Peppers can be marinated 5 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.

ROASTED AND MARINATED BELL PEPPERS

Steps:

• Brush grill with oil; heat to medium hot. Grill peppers until blackened, 8 to 12 minutes. Let peppers cool in a paper bag. Peel and seed, saving juices. Cut into 1-inch strips.
• In a bowl, combine garlic, vinegar, thyme, salt, pepper, and any pepper juices. Gradually whisk in oil. Toss peppers with vinaigrette, and arrange on a platter to serve.

PIPERADE (SAUTE OF PEPPERS, ONIONS AND TOMATOES)

Steps:

• Preheat broiler with broiler rack about 2 inches from heat. Broil peppers for 10 minutes, turning as skins blister and blacken. Remove peppers. When cool enough to handle, carefully peel and seed, discarding skins and seeds. Cut peppers into thin strips.
• In large skillet, using no butter or oil, combine peppers, onions, tomatoes, garlic and herbs and cook, covered, over very low heat for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Mixture should be quite thick.
• Piperade can be made ahead and put into 4 half-cup ramekins or molds. To reheat, place in boiling water bath and cook on top of stove until warmed through, about 10 minutes.