With its mix of vibrant colors and flavors, this recipe for Marinated Sweet Peppers & Fresh Mozzarella is sure to be a crowd pleaser — and is perfect for a picnic. If you or your guests like fiery heat, substitute a spicy chile, such as serrano, for the banana peppers.
Yield: 8 – 10 servings
Ingredients
- ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 cups Mimi Red Pepper (or other sweet red pepper)
- 1½ cups Lunchbox Snacking peppers (or other orange bell pepper)
- 1½ cups sweet banana peppers
- 8 ounces baby fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp grated orange rind
- ¼ cup torn fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
Instructions
- Preheat broiler to high.
- Pour ½ cup of oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic. Heat until garlic is fragrant, but do not brown (about 8 minutes). Discard garlic cloves and set infused oil aside.
- Combine peppers in a bowl and drizzle with remaining ¼ cup of plain olive oil; toss. Spread peppers on a heavy-duty baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Broil 8 inches from flame for 5 minutes on each side or until peppers are blistered; cool. Halve peppers and discard stems and seeds.
- Combine broiled peppers and cheese in a bowl; sprinkle with salt, crushed red pepper, and orange rind. Pour garlic-infused oil over pepper mixture and toss. Cover and chill for 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle mixture with fresh herbs and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve immediately.
Featured Ingredient: Baby Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are known for their sweetness and crunch, and these baby bells pack those same great attributes into a cute little package. Baby bell peppers are perfect for packing in a lunch, dipping in hummus for a snack, or slicing up for salads — but really, they can be used anywhere a regular bell pepper is called for. These crisp, juicy peppers are a great natural source of vitamin C and potassium. Baby bell pepper plants grow just as well in containers as they do in the ground or in raised beds, making them a great addition to limited-space gardens. Add baby bell peppers to your garden this summer.Article by Julianna K. Grimes, owner of Black Sheep Kitchen in Birmingham, AL.