Spicy-Sweet Pepper and Tomato Medley
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Spicy-Sweet Pepper and Tomato Medley. This delightful relish combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes and roasted red bell peppers with the aromatic depth of cumin, a touch of cayenne heat, and a zesty lemon kick. Perfect as a dip or spread, this relish is best enjoyed with fresh baguette slices and makes a fantastic addition to sandwiches or as a topping for grilled meats. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a flavorful appetizer, this blend brings warmth and zest to your table. Prepare it a day ahead for the flavors to meld beautifully, but add the garlic just before serving to maintain its fresh essence.
6
Servings
52
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ripe tomatoes
3 medium (peeled, seeded and chopped)
red bell peppers
3 large (roasted, peeled, seeds and membranes discarded)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled and chopped finely)
ground cumin
1 tablespoon
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
olive oil
1 tablespoon
lemon juice
2 tablespoons
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
baguette
1 loaf (cut into 1 inch slices on the diagonal)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, heat over medium-high heat and add the peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes. Sauté the tomatoes for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until they reduce and thicken, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once thickened, remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl.
2
Finely chop the roasted red bell peppers, making sure to discard any seeds and membranes. Add the chopped peppers to the bowl with the thickened tomatoes.
3
Next, add the finely chopped garlic, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh parsley to the mixing bowl. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
4
Season the relish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
5
Transfer the relish to a decorative serving dish and serve alongside slices of baguette for dipping or spreading.
6
For optimal flavor, you may prepare this relish one day in advance; just be sure to add the garlic right before serving to maintain its fresh taste.
Nutrition Information
3
Fat
6
Carbs
1
Protein
1
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy-Sweet Pepper and Tomato Medley?
It is a vibrant Mediterranean-style relish that combines sautéed tomatoes and roasted red bell peppers with spices like cumin and cayenne.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it contains only vegetables, spices, oil, and bread.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are ripe tomatoes, roasted red bell peppers, garlic, cumin, cayenne pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.
How should the tomatoes be prepared for this medley?
The tomatoes should be peeled, seeded, and chopped before being sautéed until thickened.
How do I prepare the red bell peppers?
The peppers should be roasted and peeled, with the seeds and membranes removed, then finely chopped.
Can I use jarred roasted peppers?
Yes, jarred roasted red peppers can be used as a convenient alternative, just ensure they are drained well.
What spice gives this dish its spicy kick?
The heat in this recipe comes from the addition of 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How long do the tomatoes need to sauté?
The tomatoes should be sautéed for about 6 to 8 minutes until they reduce and thicken.
Can I make this relish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the base a day ahead to allow flavors to meld, but add the garlic just before serving.
Why is garlic added just before serving?
Adding garlic right before serving ensures its fresh essence and pungent flavor remain vibrant.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served in a decorative dish alongside 1-inch thick diagonal slices of baguette.
Is the Spicy-Sweet Pepper and Tomato Medley gluten-free?
The relish itself is gluten-free, but you must use gluten-free bread instead of the baguette to make the entire meal gluten-free.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are approximately 52 calories per serving.
Can I substitute lime juice for lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice can be used, though it will slightly change the flavor profile compared to the original lemon juice.
How much cumin is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ground cumin to provide an aromatic depth.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley is recommended for its flavor and color, you can use about a third of the amount of dried parsley if necessary.
What type of bread is traditionally used with this dip?
A fresh baguette is the recommended bread for dipping or spreading this relish.
How should I store leftover relish?
Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator.
How long does the relish last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly, the relish should stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this tomato and pepper medley?
Freezing is not recommended as it can negatively impact the texture of the cooked tomatoes and peppers.
Is this dish considered very spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat level which can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This recipe is inspired by Mediterranean culinary traditions.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, peeling the tomatoes helps achieve a smoother and more consistent texture in the final relish.
What makes the medley sweet?
The sweetness comes naturally from the ripe tomatoes and the roasted red bell peppers rather than added sugar.
Can I add extra garlic if I like?
Absolutely, you can adjust the amount of garlic to suit your personal taste preferences.
What can I use if I don't have cayenne pepper?
You can use a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili powder as a substitute.
What consistency should the sautéed tomatoes reach?
They should be cooked down until they have reduced and thickened significantly into a chunky sauce-like base.
Should this relish be served hot or cold?
It is typically served at room temperature or slightly chilled as an appetizer.
Does this recipe contain any added sugars?
No, there are no added sugars in this recipe; the flavors rely on the natural sweetness of the vegetables.