Use Roasted Peppers

Red bell peppers are the most common variety of roasted peppers.

Roasting peppers produces a sweet, softened treat with mellow flavors. While tasty on their own, roasted peppers can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes. Enjoy them in warm or cold dishes infused with the peppers' sweet, smoky flavor. Adding roasted peppers to dishes allows you to control the amount and style of peppers to your liking. Roasted peppers are versatile, so get creative with them. Add them to your favorite foods, or try out something new to showcase their flavor.

Instructions

1. Purchase jarred roasted peppers at the grocery store, or roast them at home. Slice peppers in half and remove the seeds. Place in the broiler until the skin bubbles and blackens. Seal in a plastic bag to steam for 15 minutes, then peel the skin off before using.

2. Make a roasted pepper puree to top pasta, or serve alongside meat and vegetables. Place the peppers in a blender or food processor with a few tablespoons of olive oil and water or broth. Add a pinch of salt and puree until smooth.

3. Finely chop roasted peppers and mix into store-bought hummus. Serve chilled with chips, slices of toasted pita bread or raw vegetables.

4. Add sliced roasted peppers to your usual lunchtime sandwiches for an extra kick; or, toss the slices into cold salads or cooked pasta. Place slices on top of burgers, or use grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.

5. Sprinkle a few peppers on top of homemade or frozen pizza before baking. You can make a Mediterranean-style pizza using pita bread. Add roasted pepper slices, sliced olives and other meats and veggies to pita bread. Top with feta cheese, then bake until cheese is warm and lightly browned.

Tags: roasted peppers, pita bread, peppers your, roasted pepper