Piperies Florinis (Greek Red Roasted Peppers)

The method for roasting peppers is the same for any kind of peppers, but I have chosen Piperies Florinis, which are red sweet peppers, named after the prefecture of Florina, where they are cultivated.

Before giving my recipe, I wish to explain the easiest method for roasting peppers.

There are many ways you can roast them but I think the simplest is in the oven. Alternatively you can roast them on charcoal, which is the best, as they get the smoky taste, or on an open gas flame.

Piperies Florinis (Roasted Peppers from Florina) and how to roast them

Ingredients

• 1 kg red sweet peppers (Florina type)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  

For preserving them:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons wine vinegar
• salt
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped (optional)
  

Directions

Wash the peppers and after draining excess water brush them with the olive oil and place them in the oven at high temperature 220 degrees celcius  until their skin blisters. Watch carefully so they do not burn and turn them over, once.

Place the roasted peppers in a plastic bag and seal for 5 – 10 minutes and allow them to sweat.

Open the bag and remove stems, peel, remove and discard the skin, seeds and any veins.

When they cool down you may preserve them in jars or in Tupperware, airtight vessels. Add salt, olive oil and wine vinegar until they are covered.  If you like you may add some finely chopped garlic slices.

Once you have prepared the peppers in a couple of days you can start eating them.

The first thing I made was a side dish, very easy to prepare and very tasty.

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients for 4

• 4 preserved peppers
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 medium sized onionos, finely chopped
• 1 large ripe tomato, peeled and cut into cubes
• 100 grams of feta, cut into cubes
• ½ cup of parsley, finely chopped
• A pinch of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A couple of spoonfuls of olive oil

Directions

Sauté the onions in a non stick frying pan, add garlic and sauté as well. Add vinegar and mix, add tomato and cook for a few minutes.

Season with salt and pepper and finally add feta and mix.

Finally, remove from heat and add the parsley and paprika and serve on top of the preserved peppers.

Tags: appetizers, How to.., Jams and preserves, Mezedes, Peppers, Piperies Florinis, Vegetables