Peppers are an extremely versatile ingredient and can be used in a wide range of recipes; in addition, they can be served raw in salads and as an accompaniment to dips. If you need some inspiration on how to incorporate peppers, here are seven recipes that feature them as a key ingredient.
Chicken and rice with red peppers
You do not have to use peppers in vegetarian dishes, as there are plenty of chicken and beef recipes that require them. These include a tasty Chinese-inspired dish of chicken and rice with peppers, which includes the flavours of soy and hoisin sauces, garlic and ginger. It is quick and easy to prepare and cook.
Sweet stuffed peppers
There are many different varieties of peppers and they are easy to grow yourself – you only need one plant to provide you with an abundance of fruit from the middle of June through to October. One way of using them is as the main ingredient, stuffed with flavoured rice, baked in the oven and served with a cold tomato sauce.
Beef fajitas with peppers
This delicious Mexican dish is just one of the many beef recipes that use peppers; there are many more available from resources such as http://food-tales.com/food-recipes/beef/. The fajita seasoning and cayenne pepper give the dish its distinctive spice and this is a great meal to prepare for a group of people.
Huevos rancheros
You can even have peppers for breakfast with this Spanish dish of peppers and tomatoes with a fried egg on top.
Couscous
Couscous can be flavoured in lots of different ways and served both hot and cold. Try a vegetarian version that uses red peppers, preserved lemons, lemon juice, black olives, shallots and coriander for a quick meal or side dish.
Sandwich fillings
Another way of using peppers is to add them to your sandwich, which can liven up your filling and add to your fruit and vegetable intake. A tasty option is to combine a sliced yellow pepper with fresh tuna steaks and add a dressing made of garlic, hot mustard, olive oil, red wine vinegar and mayonnaise.
Vegan recipes
Peppers are ideal as a filling dish for vegans. A simple way of using them is to make a stuffing from rice, pine nuts, olives, parsley and chilli flakes before cooking them in a vegetable stock.
