Recipe: Marinated Peppers with Rosemary and Garlic

Recipe: Marinated Peppers with Rosemary and Garlic

Marinated peppers with rosemary and garlic are a delicious and aromatic Mediterranean-inspired dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. These marinated peppers are ideal as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a flavorful topping for sandwiches, salads, or pizzas. The rich, tangy marinade enhances the natural sweetness of the peppers, while the rosemary and garlic infuse them with savory goodness. The best part is that making this dish at home is surprisingly easy, and the results are simply mouthwatering.

This recipe for marinated peppers with rosemary and garlic is an excellent way to preserve fresh peppers, and it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. The marinade can also be adapted to your taste preferences, so feel free to experiment with additional herbs or spices to make it your own.

Ingredients

For the Marinated Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color—red, yellow, or orange)
• 4 cloves garlic (smashed or sliced)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder taste)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)

Optional:

• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for extra freshness)

Equipment:

• Large jar or glass container (for storing the marinated peppers)
• Medium saucepan
• Cutting board and knife

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

1. Wash the Peppers
   Begin by washing the bell peppers thoroughly. Cut off the tops, remove the seeds, and slice them into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. You can also leave them in large chunks if you prefer a more rustic presentation.

2. Peel the Garlic
   Peel the garlic cloves and either smash them with the flat side of a knife or slice them thinly. The garlic will infuse the oil and vinegar with its rich flavor, so don’t skimp on this ingredient.

3. Prepare the Jar or Container
   Sterilize the jar or container you plan to use for storing the marinated peppers. You can do this by boiling it in water for about 10 minutes or placing it in a hot oven for a few minutes. This helps to preserve the peppers and prevent any bacteria from contaminating the jar.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. Combine the Ingredients in a Saucepan
   In a medium saucepan, add the olive oil, white wine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine. This mixture will form the marinade that will tenderize and flavor the peppers.

2. Heat the Marinade
   Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar and salt. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for a few minutes.

3. Add Rosemary and Garlic
   After the marinade has cooled slightly, add the fresh rosemary sprigs and garlic slices to the saucepan. If you prefer, you can use dried rosemary for a more intense flavor, but fresh rosemary will provide a fragrant, earthy aroma.

Step 3: Assemble the Marinated Peppers

1. Layer the Peppers in the Jar
   Once the marinade has cooled enough to handle, place the prepared pepper slices in the sterilized jar or container. You can alternate layers of peppers with garlic slices and rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation.

2. Pour the Marinade Over the Peppers
   Pour the cooled marinade mixture over the peppers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Use a spoon or spatula to gently press the peppers down if needed to make sure they’re covered in the marinade.

3. Seal the Jar
   Close the jar or container tightly with a lid. If you’re using a glass container, make sure the lid is airtight to prevent the marinade from spoiling.

Step 4: Let the Peppers Marinate

1. Refrigerate
   Place the jar of marinated peppers in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, allow the peppers to marinate for at least 24-48 hours. The longer they sit in the marinade, the more flavorful they become. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

2. Taste and Adjust
   After the initial marinating period, taste the peppers. If you feel they need more seasoning, you can add extra salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.

Tips and Variations

1. Add More Herbs
   While rosemary is the star herb in this recipe, you can also experiment with other herbs such as thyme, basil, or oregano. Fresh herbs will give the marinade a bright, aromatic fragrance.

2. Sweeten the Marinade
   If you prefer a slightly sweeter marinade, increase the amount of sugar or add honey for a natural sweetness that complements the savory peppers.

3. Make It Spicy
   To add a spicy kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or even add a sliced chili pepper to the jar. You can also add hot sauce to the marinade for a fiery version.

4. Use Different Peppers
   While bell peppers are commonly used, you can experiment with different varieties such as banana peppers, hot peppers, or even small sweet peppers for a unique twist.

Health Benefits

1. Peppers
   Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which support a healthy immune system, improve skin health, and aid in digestion.

2. Rosemary
   Rosemary is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve digestion and circulation. It’s also rich in antioxidants.

3. Garlic
   Garlic is well-known for its immune-boosting properties, its ability to lower blood pressure, and its rich antioxidant content.

Conclusion

Marinated peppers with rosemary and garlic offer a delicious combination of flavors that are perfect for a variety of dishes. The sweetness of the peppers blends beautifully with the fragrant rosemary and the aromatic garlic, creating a harmonious and savory experience. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, on sandwiches, as a topping for salads, or as a side dish, these marinated peppers are sure to impress. Try this easy-to-follow recipe today, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean-inspired marinated vegetables in your own home!