Peppers!There are several easy ways to roast or smoke sweet and
hot peppers. Let's take a look! |
|
** ALWAYS wear protective gloves when handling hot pepper products! **
STOVE TOP ROASTING OVER GAS FLAME:
1. Wash your pepper and snip off the stem.
2. Turn one gas burner on high.
3. Place pepper on top of burner and blacken skin of pepper on all sides, carefully turning with tongs.
4. Place pepper in a paper bag to steam for a few minutes then peel away skin.
OVEN ROASTING PEPPERS:
1. Wash your pepper and snip off the stem.
2. Set oven to high broil.
3. Place pepper on a broiler rack (no need for oil!)
4. Blacken pepper on all sides (depending on the size of the pepper, usually 3-5 minutes on each side).
5. Place pepper in a paper bag to steam for a few minutes then peel away skin.
SMOKING PEPPERS (Two ways):
A:
1. Soak one handful of wood chips (apple, hickory, etc.) in water for at least one hour.
2. Preheat smoker to 325 degrees F.
3. Wash peppers, snip off stem and toss with a little olive oil (optional)
4. Place peppers directly on smoker grate or a non reactive pan safe for the smoker if the smoker grates are too large for the peppers.
5. Smoke peppers on both sides (about 5 minutes per side), or until both sides of the peppers are blistered. Use in your favorite hot sauce or soup.
B:
1. Wash your pepper, snip off the stem, cut the pepper in half and discard the seeds.
2. Bring your smoker to 220 degrees F and throw in a handful of your favorite pre-soaked wood chips over the coals.
3. Place pepper halves on top of grill grate (or pan suitable for the smoker) and smoke for about 2 hours.
p.s. You can stuff your pepper halves with your favorite filling before smoking or finish it off in a dehydrator (great for making spices!)
TIP: With smaller peppers such as cayenne or thai chilis, it may be best to roast them in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat as these peppers tend to "explode" under the broiler or in the smoker.
** ALWAYS wear protective gloves when handling hot pepper products! **
