Marinated Roasted Bell Peppers (Capsicums)

Marinated Peppers are the Best Refrigerator Staple

I pretty much always have a container of these marinated roasted bell peppers in my refrigerator.

Along with pomegranate molasses, they are one of those staple ingredients that adds so much flavor to so many different kinds of dishes that I do my best to never run out.

You only need a handful of ingredients to make these classic Italian roasted peppers:

• Bell peppers. The star of the show. Use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, all one color or a mix.
• Extra virgin olive oil. This is one of those recipes for which you should pull out the good stuff. The more flavorful the olive oil, the more flavorful your marinated peppers will be.
• White balsamic vinegar. White balsamic is a mild tasting vinegar that's slightly sweet and has just the right amount of acidity to add bright tangy flavor without making the peppers taste too vinegary. White wine and unseasoned rice vinegar are also good options.
• Honey. Just a tablespoon of honey adds a delicious balance of sweet that softens the sharpness of the vinegar.
• 2 cloves of garlic. If you want a more intense garlic flavor, add as much more as you like.
• A couple of sprigs of fresh thyme.
• A handful of chopped fresh parsley.
• Crushed red pepper flakes. Start with ½ teaspoon and then add more if you want your marinated peppers to have a bit more heat.
• Salt and pepper.

5 Delicious Ways to Use Marinated Roasted Bell Peppers:

#1. Top Salads with Marinated Peppers

My two favorite salads to add a few marinated roasted bell peppers are a classic Caesar and this Niçoise Salad with Bacon and Pomegranate Vinaigrette. But, honestly, they are good on pretty much every salad you can imagine.

In fact, if you have some of these marinated peppers and any kind of greens, you have a salad. Use a drizzle of the marinade as the dressing, and then top the salad with a few shavings of pecorino, romano, or parmesan cheese.

#2. Add Marinated Peppers to Sandwiches

Whatever your favorite kind of sandwich, it will most likely be made better with a few marinated roasted peppers.

Aside from taking your basic cold cut sandwich to a whole new level, add them to:

• A classic BLT
• Open face chicken salad sandwiches
• Italian Tuna sandwich
• Grilled vegetable and hummus sandwiches
• Classic grilled cheese sandwiches

Just like salads, if you have some bread and a few marinated roasted peppers, you have a sandwich. Just toast the bread, slather on some butter or mayo or hummus, top with a few peppers and maybe a few shavings of cheese. Delicious.

#3. Top Tacos, Tostadas, or Nachos with Marinated Peppers

Add them to the filling for tacos and tostadas, or sprinkle them over nachos.

I also LOVE to add a few of these peppers to Crispy Corn Tortilla Quesadillas.

#4. Add Marinated Bell Peppers to Pasta Dishes

I'm struggling to think of a pasta dish that wouldn't be better with a few marinated roasted bell peppers. (Bonus points if it's homemade pasta.)

Toss a few slices over vegetarian pasta carbonara, spaghetti puttanesca, or 20-minute garlic chipotle pasta.

But really, you don't need anything more than pasta and peppers and dinner is done. Make it more substantial with some shredded roast chicken or crumble of Italian sausage.

#5. Include Marinated Bell Peppers on Your Next Charcuterie Board

If you have some crackers or bread, cheese, and marinated roasted peppers, you have a delicious instant appetizer that's perfect for unexpected guests.

In my house, some version of this is a typical weekend meal, most often eaten with glasses of wine and Netflix.

More of my favorite refrigerator and pantry staples:

• Agrodolce - Italian Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Chimichurri Sauce
• Classic Homemade Vinaigrette with several variations
• Homemade Croutons
• Homemade Pico de Gallo
• Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
• Roasted Tomatillo Sauce
• Favorite Spice Mix Recipes

If you give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, or take a picture and tag it #alittleandalot on Instagram.