Spicy Italian Red Bell Pepper Spread
This Spicy Italian Red Bell Pepper Spread is made with briefly sautéed red bell pepper strips and offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. It is ideal for appetizers, sandwiches, or any dish that can use a lightly sweet and spicy touch.
Servings: 6 to 8 as a party spread or 1 cup total
Calories: 30kcal
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 to 2 red bell peppers, white pulp and seeds removed, and cut into thin strips About 255 to 265 grams
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, separated
- ¼ teaspoon dried crushed chili or red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup fresh parsley leaves without the stems About 25 grams
Instructions
- Cover the bottom of a medium-sized saute pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat.1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Stir in the bell pepper strips and one teaspoon of balsamic vinegar.1 to 2 red bell peppers, white pulp and seeds removed, and cut into thin strips, 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, separated
- Season with crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, dried basil, and salt to taste.¼ teaspoon dried crushed chili or red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried basil, Salt to taste
- Cook and stir for about 7 minutes or until softened and a bit charred around the edges. Then lower the heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, covered.
- Remove from the stove and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Transfer the sautéed bell pepper mixture to a small food processor or blender (with all its juices).
- Add the parsley and 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar.½ cup fresh parsley leaves without the stems
- Blend until you have a beautiful dark-reddish or orange paste (color might vary based on the color of the bell pepper).
- Transfer to a small serving bowl or ramekin.
Notes
Helpful Notes:
- Feel free to use onion powder instead of garlic powder.
- This spread is already pretty spicy, so taste test first before adding more crushed red pepper flakes.
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You can prepare this in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 30kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 79mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1097IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
