Sweet Peppers Conserved In Oil Food

PEPPERS PACKED IN OIL

Steps:

• Start by cutting the peppers into 1 inch strips and pat them dry with a towel. Place the pepper strips in a colander, sprinkle them with coarse salt, and place the colander over a bowl. Allow the peppers to drain overnight.
• Using a towel, wipe the salt from the peppers, and set aside.
• Sterilize four 8 oz. jars and their lids by boiling them in a large pot of water for about 15 minutes. Using tongs, remove the jars and lids from the water, and set them on a dry surface.
• In each jar, place 3 peppercorns, 2 cloves garlic, 1 sprig of basil, and 1 sprig of oregano or marjoram. Evenly divide the pepper strips among the jars and completely cover with olive oil. Wipe clean the rims of the jars and seal with their lids. Label and date the jars.
• Keep in a cool place or in the refrigerator for several months.
• Serve as part of an antipasto platter, add to salads or sandwiches, and the oil can also be used to flavor dressings or drizzle on bread.

SWEET PEPPERS CONSERVED IN OIL

Steps:

• Roast the peppers over a grill or burner, under the broiler, or in the oven. When they are charred, remove them from the heat and place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic, or set a lid or plate on top and allow the peppers to cool. Skin and seed. Cut or pull the peppers apart into 3 or 4 wide pieces. Wipe dry with paper towels or a damp kitchen towel. Season with salt.
• Pour a little olive oil into the bottom of two clean, sterilized 1-cup jars or one 1-pint wide-mouth jar. Place the bay leaf and garlic in the jar, then a layer of pepper pieces. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and repeat with another layer, drizzling each layer with oil until you have filled the jar. Stick a thyme sprig into the jar, cover the peppers completely with oil, and screw on the top. Leave at room temperature for a day, then refrigerate.

ROASTED MARINATED SWEET PEPPERS

Steps:

• Prepare a hot fire in a gas or charcoal grill or preheat a grill pan or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Place the peppers on the grill or in the grill pan or skillet, and cook them, turning frequently, until they are charred on all sides and the flesh is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. (Alternatively, you can cook the peppers over the direct flame of a gas stove.)
• Place the peppers in a plastic bag or a large bowl. Close the bag or seal the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set the peppers aside to steam until they are cool enough to handle. Rub off the charred skin, but do not rinse them with water. De-stem and open up the peppers and slide off the core and seeds.
• Rip the peppers into big strips and layer them in a 1-quart (1L) canning jar. Scatter the garlic slices and basil leaves between each layer and pour some marinade made with the olive oil, vinegar, anchovies, capers and salt on each layer.
• Set the peppers aside to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or until you are ready to serve them. Store with the jar lid on, refrigerated for up to several days. Bring the peppers to room temperature before serving.