Charred Peppers Recipes

CHARRED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Build a hot fire. Wood is ideal, charcoal a good second. The rack shouldn't be more than 3 to 4 inches from the fire, and you can start the peppers just as the flames begin to die down; there will be no flare-up.
• Put the peppers on the grill without crowding too much. As they blacken, turn them so they char on all or at least most surfaces. As they finish, transfer to a bowl, where you can pile them up. (There is no need to put them in a paper bag, as you may have read.)
• Let cool. Peel and seed, using as little water as you can to rinse remaining seeds and skin from the peppers. But don't be too compulsive: a few seeds and bits of skin are fine. Also, the closer to whole the peppers remain, the more attractive they are.
• Serve, dressed with olive oil, and salt if desired. Lemon juice won't hurt; neither will capers or anchovies. These will keep, refrigerated, for at least a week.

ROASTED PEPPERS IN OIL (PEPERONI ARROSTITI SOTTO OLIO)

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate. Reduce grill heat to medium.
• Grill whole peppers until charred on all sides, turning about every 5 minutes. Place charred peppers in a plastic food storage bag and tie shut. Allow peppers to cool in bag.
• Combine olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a 1-pint glass jar (or larger, depending on size of peppers).
• Remove cooled peppers from bag and scrape off charred skins. Cut peppers in half and remove seeds and stems. Slice peppers into long strips and place in oil mixture. Mix well, assuring peppers are covered in oil. Serve, storing leftover peppers in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

CREAMY WHITE BEAN DIP WITH CHARRED PEPPERS

Steps:

• To make the bean dip: Combine the beans, lemon rind, garlic cloves, chiles and 1 teaspoon kosher salt in a 3- to 4-quart pot and add enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beans are very tender. Discard the lemon rind and chile pepper and drain.
• Combine the beans, garlic and lemon juice in a food processor. Season with a couple pinches of kosher salt and black pepper. Puree until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. While the motor is running, drizzle in the olive oil. Adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper, as needed. Reserve in the refrigerator.
• To serve, schmear some white bean dip on a plate. Pile on the Charred Baby Bell Peppers, squeeze on some of the charred lemon and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Season with black pepper and garnish with a sprinkle of flakey salt.
• Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Add the olive oil and swirl it around to coat. When the oil is hot and shimmery, add the peppers and cook, tossing occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes. Place the lemon cut-side down in the skillet and char simultaneously until deeply browned.

DRY RUBBED HANGER STEAK WITH SMOKY AIOLI AND CHARRED PEPPERS

Steps:

• For the steak: Place the steaks on a parchment-lined sheet pan. In a small bowl, mix the mustard powder, paprika, salt, chili powder and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture all over the steaks. Let sit at room temperature for 2 hours.
• Make the charred peppers: Heat a large braiser or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until searing hot. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the baby bell sweet and shishito peppers with the olive oil, habaneros, chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Add the pepper mixture to the braiser and lower the heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until charred in spots and tender but still with some bite, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Make the vinaigrette: While the peppers are cooking, in a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, pickled peppers, vinegar, red pepper flakes, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Once the charred pepper mixture is cooked, add them to the vinaigrette along with the quartered pickled peppers. Toss to coat well and set aside.
• Make the aioli: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, pepper brine, cherry peppers, paprika, garlic and salt to taste. Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Cook the steaks: Preheat a grill pan or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the steaks on the grill pan or grill, flipping only once, for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare or until an instant-read thermometer registers between 120 to 125 degrees F. Allow the meat to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Slice the meat against the grain to ensure tenderness. Sprinkle with the basil, chives and thyme. Serve with the charred peppers and smoky oli.

CHARRED PEPPERS WITH LEMON RICOTTA AND CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• Place a rack in upper third of oven; preheat to 350°F. Spread out walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast, tossing halfway through, until golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Let cool, then crush into large pieces with a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass.
• Meanwhile, heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high. Cook peppers, shaking pan and turning peppers occasionally, until skins are lightly charred and flesh is tender, 6-8 minutes. Transfer peppers to a cutting board and let cool slightly. If peppers are large, cut in half lengthwise.
• Combine ricotta and 2 Tbsp. oil in a small bowl; finely grate zest from lemon over and mix well. Season lemon ricotta with salt. Set lemon aside.
• Combine peppers, cucumbers, mint, and half of walnuts in a large bowl. Cut reserved lemon in half and squeeze juice into bowl. Drizzle in 2 Tbsp. oil, season with salt, and toss to coat.
• Transfer pepper mixture to a platter along with any juices in the bottom of bowl. Dollop lemon ricotta over and top with remaining walnuts. Drizzle with more oil and season with black pepper.