Peppers: The Summer Stars

Green, red, yellow, and orange, sweet or hot, peppers are the true stars of summer. They can be featured in many recipes, either as a main ingredient or as a flavorful side dish.

The Issue with Peppers’ Outer Shell

Most people love peppers, but their outer shell can be problematic. It’s pleasant to eat when raw but less so when cooked, and it’s generally not suitable for people with indigestion or for children. To address this, here are some methods to remove the skin from peppers.

Removing Skin from Raw Peppers

To peel raw peppers, immerse them in hot water for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to cold water. The temperature shock makes the skin easier to remove. Use a peeler to remove most of the skin, and finish the process with a knife.

On the Barbecue

Grilling peppers makes skin removal easier. After cooking your meats and while the coals are still hot, place peppers cut in halves or quarters on the grill. When they start to blacken, remove them from the heat. Put the peppers in a ziplock bag and seal it. The moisture from the hot peppers helps the skin peel off easily.

In the Oven

Roasting peppers in the oven takes about 30 minutes and gives them a slightly smoky flavor. Once the tops start to blacken, transfer them to a ziplock bag to let the steam loosen the skin, making it easy to peel off.

In the Microwave

Microwaving is the quickest method. Place halved and deseeded peppers in the microwave, cover them with plastic wrap, and heat for 2-3 minutes. Let them cool at room temperature, and the skin should come off easily.

Additional Tips

Storing Fresh Beans in the Freezer

Learn how to keep fresh beans in your freezer to maintain their quality and taste.

Other Kitchen Tips

• Keep cucumbers fresh with a simple trick.
• Elevate the taste of garlic bread with a secret ingredient.
• Discover 14 versions of shrimp pasta for a perfect summer meal.
• Know what not to clean with soap in your kitchen.
• Properly store watermelon to extend its freshness.
• Enjoy cool summer salads with cucumber.

Explore the vegetable garden of Maya Tsoklis in Tinos for more inspiration.