Roasted red peppers are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. Their sweet, smoky flavor pairs well with a variety of ingredients. When roasting red peppers, the process caramelizes the natural sugars and enhances the pepper’s sweetness. This allows the roasted red pepper to complement both savory and sweet flavors. In this article, we will explore what ingredients make good flavor combinations with roasted red pepper.
Savory flavors that pair well with roasted red pepper
Here are some savory flavors that work well when paired with the sweetness of roasted red pepper:
Garlic
Garlic is a classic pairing with roasted red peppers. The pungent, savory garlic balances out the sweetness of the pepper. Roasted garlic can be combined with roasted red peppers to make aiolis, spreads, dips, and more. Raw garlic also pairs nicely with roasted red peppers when sautéed together or made into a vinaigrette.
Onions
Onions are another ingredient that brings out the best in roasted red peppers. Red onions provide a sharp, savory contrast to the pepper’s sweetness. Caramelized onions and roasted red peppers are a tasty combination in pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and tacos.
Tomatoes
The sweet-tart flavor of tomatoes makes an excellent match for roasted red peppers. Try combining them in shakshuka, ratatouille, or bruschetta. The colors of red tomatoes and peppers also make them visually appealing together on a plate.
Herbs
Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme add aromatic notes to roasted red pepper dishes. Basil has a natural sweetness that mirrors the pepper’s sweetness. Oregano and thyme provide an earthy flavor complement. Try adding chopped fresh herbs to roasted pepper soups, sauces, or dips.
Spices
Warm spices accentuate the sweetness of roasted red pepper. Cumin, paprika, and cayenne all pair nicely. Smoked paprika shares the same roasted flavor profile. Sprinkle these spices over hummus, tacos, or chili with roasted peppers.
Cheese
The creamy saltiness of cheese balances the sweet roasted pepper flavor. Feta, goat, mozzarella, and cheddar are good options. Try mixing roasted red peppers with cheese in omelets, on flatbreads or pizza, in pasta, or baked into casseroles.
Balsamic vinegar
Aged balsamic vinegar has notes of sweetness that mimic the red pepper. Its tanginess also cuts through the pepper’s richness. Drizzle balsamic over roasted pepper bruschetta or make a balsamic reduction to top roasted pepper crostini.
Olives
Briny olives make an excellent flavor pairing with sweet roasted red peppers. They add a nice salty, pungent punch. Try chopped olives together with roasted peppers on antipasto platters, pizzas, and Mediterranean-style dishes.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts like pine nuts, almonds, and walnuts add crunchy texture and savoriness to balance roasted red pepper’s softness and sweetness. Mix them into pesto or tapenades with roasted red peppers. Seeds like sunflower or pumpkin work well too.
Capers
Salty, pungent capers provide a tangy contrast to roasted red peppers. Combine capers and roasted red peppers when making salsa, spreads, salad dressings, pasta sauces, and more.
Sweet flavors that complement roasted red pepper
In addition to savory ingredients, roasted red peppers pair nicely with some sweet flavors too:
Balsamic vinegar
As mentioned above, good quality aged balsamic vinegar contains notes of sweetness that match well with roasted red pepper’s natural sweetness.
Honey
Drizzling some honey over roasted red peppers enhances their sweetness. Or make a honey mustard dipping sauce for roasted red peppers. Honey also complements roasted peppers when used to make jam or chutney.
Fruit
Certain fresh fruits taste wonderful when combined with roasted red peppers. Try berries, stone fruits like peaches or apricots, and citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruit. Use them in salsa, salad, or chutney with roasted red peppers.
Maple syrup
Maple syrup contains robust sweet notes that pair nicely with the flavor of roasted red pepper. Use it in a maple dijon dressing or glaze for roasted pepper dishes.
Brown sugar
Sprinkling a little brown sugar on roasted red pepper brings out added sweetness. Or make a brown sugar and red pepper relish to serve with grilled fish or meat.
Chocolate
Believe it or not, roasted red pepper and chocolate work well together! The pepper’s fruitiness pairs with the sweet, rich notes of dark chocolate. Try them together in a mole sauce.
Sample flavor combination recipes
Here are some example recipes showcasing delicious flavor combinations with roasted red peppers:
Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Pesto
– 2 roasted red bell peppers, peeled and seeded
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/3 cup toasted walnuts
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic
– 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Purée all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Toss with cooked pasta or use as a sandwich spread.
Roasted Red Pepper, Olive and Feta Stuffed Chicken
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 roasted red pepper, sliced
– 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
– 1/4 crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper
Cut a pocket into the chicken breasts. Mix pepper, olives, feta and oregano together and stuff into pockets. Seal with toothpicks. Cook chicken in olive oil 4-5 minutes per side until browned and 165F internal temperature. Season with salt and pepper.
Grilled Peaches with Roasted Red Pepper and Honey
– 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 roasted red pepper, diced
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Pinch of red pepper flakes
– Mint leaves for garnish
Grill peaches cut-side down until charred, about 3-4 minutes. Place on serving plates. Top with honey, roasted red pepper, balsamic vinegar and red pepper flakes. Garnish with mint.
Tips for cooking with roasted red pepper
Here are some helpful tips for buying, storing, and cooking with roasted red peppers:
Selecting roasted red peppers
– Look for peppers with smooth, taut skin. Wrinkled skin means they may be overcooked.
– Avoid peppers with brown or black spots. This indicates scorching.
– Pick jars or packages with little liquid. Too much liquid dilutes the flavor.
Storing roasted red peppers
– Refrigerate unopened jars for up to 1 month.
– Transfer opened jarred peppers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
– Store homemade roasted peppers in olive oil in the fridge for 5-7 days.
– Frozen roasted peppers will keep for 4-6 months. Thaw before using.
Uses for roasted red pepper
– Chop into salads, pasta dishes, pizza, omelets, etc.
– Purée into dips, spreads, hummus, or dressing.
– Stuff with cheese, meat, or grains.
– Grill or sauté along with other veggies.
– Bake into frittatas, casseroles, and quiches.
Seasoning recommendations
– Salt helps enhance flavor. Avoid over-salting.
– Pepper, garlic, paprika, cumin complement nicely.
– Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme.
– Spices like cayenne, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika.
– Acidic ingredients help cut richness – lemon juice, vinegar, olives.
Conclusion
Roasted red peppers are an extremely versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Their unique sweet and smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with both savory and sweet components. When cooking with roasted red peppers, ingredients like garlic, olive, feta, balsamic, herbs, and spices make excellent complements. The recipes and tips provided above will help you start exploring the many delicious ways to use roasted red peppers in your cooking. With their great flavor and visual appeal, roasted red peppers are sure to bring excitement to any dish!