Ingredients:
- 4 Large Bell Peppers (red, yellow, orange)
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Neutral Oil (Vegetable or Rapeseed)
- 1 tsp (5 g) Fine Sea Salt
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 3 Tbsp (45 ml) High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
- 2 Cloves Garlic, crushed or finely minced
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Red Wine Vinegar, or Sherry Vinegar
- A pinch of Dried Oregano (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Peppers: Wash the peppers thoroughly. Halve them lengthwise, then remove and discard the core, seeds, and any white membrane.
- Oil and Season: Place the halved peppers in a large bowl. Drizzle with the neutral oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure all surfaces are lightly coated.
- Arrange for Roasting: Place the pepper halves on the prepared baking tray, ensuring they are cut-side down (skin-side up). This is crucial for blistering the skin properly.
- Roast: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the skins are completely blackened, shrivelled, and blistered, and the flesh underneath has softened.
- Transfer and Seal (Crucial!): Immediately transfer the hot, roasted peppers from the tray into a large bowl or sturdy paper bag. Cover the bowl tightly with cling film (plastic wrap) or seal the paper bag to trap the steam.
- Rest: Allow the peppers to steam and cool slightly for 15–20 minutes. This steaming process makes the peeling easy.
- Peel: Once cool enough to handle, gently pull or rub the blackened skin away from the flesh. Do not rinse the peppers under water, as this removes flavor.
- Slice and Reserve Juices: Slice the peeled peppers into thick strips (about 1 cm wide). Transfer the strips and any delicious juices released during peeling into a clean serving dish.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small cup, whisk together the high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, and oregano (if using).
- Dress and Marinate: Pour the dressing mixture over the pepper strips, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Gently toss.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the roasted peppers warm, or cover and chill for an hour or two in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to fully develop.