Name: Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 10 units red bell peppers; 6 cloves garlic (in skins); 5 tablespoons butter (olive oil for vegan); 1 large red onion (peeled); 1 large carrot; 1 tablespoon dried Italian Seasoning; Salt salt; pepper pepper

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The amazing Roasted Red Pepper Sauce has a special place in my heart. It reminds me of sun-soaked summer days spent in the kitchen experimenting with vibrant ingredients. One day, I decided to take a handful of fresh red bell peppers, roast them to perfection, and transform them into something magical. The sweet aroma filled the house, and with each step, I could already envision the delicious meals that awaited. Whether you’re drizzling it over pasta, using it as a dip, or slathering it on sandwiches, this sauce brings a burst of flavor that can elevate any dish. It’s a staple that’s easy to make and even easier to love!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
100 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Paleo, Whole30, Vegan

Fat:
5 g

Tools Used:
Grater, Saucepan, Oven, Baking Sheet, Blender, Skillet, Peeler

What You’ll Enjoy About This Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Why do I absolutely adore this Roasted Red Pepper Sauce? Let me count the ways!

1. Versatile and Flavorful

This sauce isn’t just a condiment; it’s a culinary chameleon! It complements various dishes, from pasta to grilled vegetables, making it a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire. You can spice it up or keep it simple based on your preference.

2. Healthy and Guilt-Free

Made primarily from fresh vegetables like red bell peppers and garlic, this sauce is packed with nutrients. It’s low in calories and high in flavor, which means you can slather it generously without any guilt.

3. Simple Ingredients

The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already! With just a handful of fresh produce and spices, you can whip up this sauce in no time.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is excellent for meal prepping. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and use it in various meals. It saves time and adds a gourmet touch to your everyday dishes!

5. A Taste of Summer

The sweet, smoky flavor of roasted red bell peppers encapsulates the essence of summer. With every bite, you’ll be transported to warm, sunny days, even in the depths of winter.

6. Family Friendly

This sauce is a hit with both adults and kids. Its gentle sweetness and vibrant color entice even the pickiest eaters. It’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies!

What You Need for Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Creating the perfect Roasted Red Pepper Sauce stems from the harmony of its ingredients. Each component plays a pivotal role in building flavor and depth. The primary star, the red bell pepper, brings sweetness, while the garlic adds a touch of pungency. Together with butter and Italian seasoning, they create a balanced and delectable sauce.

10 red bell peppers: The foundation of your sauce, these peppers provide sweetness and depth.
6 cloves garlic, in skins: Adds a robust flavor that complements the sweetness of the peppers.
5 tablespoons butter (olive oil for vegan): Provides richness and helps in sautéing.
1 large red onion, peeled: Adds savory depth to the sauce.
1 large carrot: Natural sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
1 tablespoon dried Italian Seasoning: Brings aromatic herbs to the mix.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.

Step by Step Instructions for Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Let’s dive into the process of bringing this Roasted Red Pepper Sauce to life! It’s a straightforward journey where each step builds on the last, leading to a mouth-watering result. Follow these instructions closely, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is!

Preheat your oven to broil. This will prepare your oven for roasting the red bell peppers until they get that beautiful, smoky flavor.
Cut the red bell peppers into 3 to 4 sections, making sure to remove the stems and seeds. If you’ve never done this before, just take your time to get it right. You want them to roast evenly.
Lay the pepper sections on a large baking sheet, waxy-side-up. This position helps them to roast instead of steam.
Place the baking sheet on the upper rack of the oven and broil until the skins are mostly black. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Add the garlic cloves to the baking sheet during the last 1 to 2 minutes of broiling. You want them to soften and char slightly, which will add a beautiful flavor.
After the peppers and garlic are done, use tongs to move the blackened peppers to a large paper grocery bag, or a large plastic zip bag. Seal the bag tightly and let the peppers steam for 15 minutes to loosen their blackened skin. This steaming process is crucial for easy peeling.
While the peppers steam, shred the onion and carrot on a grater. This step ensures they cook quickly and evenly when added to the pan.
In a large deep skillet or sauce pot, add the butter, shredded onion, and shredded carrot. Set it over medium-low heat and sauté the veggies until they are very soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. You should see the onion becoming translucent.
Once the roasted red peppers have steamed, pull the black waxy skin off each piece and discard it. Don’t rush this step; the texture matters!
Peel the softened garlic cloves and add them to the blender along with the peeled peppers. Blend until smooth. The consistency should be silky, almost like a pourable puree.
Pour the pureed mixture back into the skillet. Add the Italian seasoning, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and a half teaspoon of ground black pepper. Simmer for at least 10 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Finally, taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once you’re satisfied, it’s ready to serve!

Things Worth Knowing

Roasting Technique: Roasting over high heat caramelizes the sugars in the red bell peppers making them sweeter and richer in flavor.
Steaming Benefits: Steaming the roasted peppers in a bag helps to loosen their skins, making them easier to peel without losing too much flesh.
Blending Smoothness: For a perfectly smooth sauce, make sure to blend the peppers and garlic while they’re warm; this helps them emulsify better.
Flavor Depth: Allowing the sauce to simmer melds the flavors beautifully and enhances the overall depth of the dish.

Recipe Variations about Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

If you’re looking to switch things up with your Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, you’re in for a treat! There are so many variations that will cater to your taste and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño during the sautéing process to introduce a delightful heat to your sauce.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to add a fresh twist. A handful blended in at the end can enhance the flavor profile significantly.
Nutty Flavor: Incorporate walnuts or pine nuts by blending them into the sauce for an extra layer of richness and texture.
Creamy Texture: For a creamier sauce, blend in some vegan cream cheese or regular cream after cooking to create a luscious, velvety finish.
Cheesy Delight: Stir in some grated parmesan cheese at the end for an added umami flavor; just be mindful if you’re keeping it vegan.
Serving Options: Use this sauce as a dressing for cold pasta salads or a dip for fresh veggies and crusty bread.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This sauce keeps well and flavors deepen over time.

Serving This Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

When it comes to serving your Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delicious ideas to get you started:

Pasta Pairing: Toss it with freshly cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful meal. Add some grilled veggies for an extra punch!
Sandwich Spread: Use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, adding a Mediterranean flair.
Dip Delight: Serve as a dip for pita chips, vegetables, or crackers at your next gathering.
Soup Base: Mix it into soups for a creamy, flavorful base. It’s perfect for tomato soup or minestrone!
Grilled Meat Glaze: Brush it over grilled chicken or fish for a tangy glaze that packs a flavor punch.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Seasonal Serving: This sauce is fantastic year-round but makes an especially lovely addition to summer barbecues and fall gatherings.

FAQ

Absolutely! While red bell peppers give a sweet flavor, you can mix in other varieties like yellow or orange peppers for a different taste. Just keep in mind that green peppers will add a more bitter flavor.

Your Roasted Red Pepper Sauce will last up to a week in the refrigerator. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Yes, this sauce freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to three months in the freezer.

The Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is incredibly versatile! You can use it with pasta, as a dip for veggies, or even as a spread on sandwiches. It’s also delightful drizzled over grilled meats or seafood.

Conclusion

This Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is not only easy to make but also bursts with flavor, making it a perfect addition to your meals. I encourage you to try this recipe and embrace the rich taste of roasted peppers. You won’t regret it; it’s a simple way to elevate your everyday dishes!