Green Pepper Mousse Recipes

THE BEST CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• Whip 1 cup of the heavy cream to soft peaks in a medium bowl (see Cook's Note). Set aside.
• Add the egg, egg yolks, sugar, espresso powder, vanilla extract, salt and 1 tablespoon water to a medium heatproof bowl and whisk to combine. Set the bowl over a medium saucepan of gently simmering water (do not allow the bowl to touch the water). Whisk constantly until the mixture is pale, hot to the touch and has almost doubled in volume, about 4 to 6 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally with a rubber spatula, if necessary. Remove from the heat and continue whisking until cooled, about 2 minutes.
• Put the chopped chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl and set over the saucepan of gently simmering water (do not allow the bowl to touch the water). Stir occasionally with a rubber spatula until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and gently stir for about 3 minutes to cool slightly.
• Whisk the egg mixture into the melted chocolate in 3 additions until combined. (The mixture may get very thick.) Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture in 3 additions until it is fully incorporated. It is important that the chocolate mixture is not warm to ensure that it combines smoothly with the whipped cream without seizing up.
• Divide the chocolate mousse among four 4-ounce ramekins and chill until firm, about 1 hour.
• Whip the remaining 3/4 cup cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Top each chocolate mousse with whipped cream and serve. (For a softer texture, allow the ramekins to sit at room temperature while you whip the cream.)

ROASTED RED PEPPER MOUSSE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a saute pan and gently cook the garlic and onions until soft. Add the red peppers, 2/3 cup/150 ml of the stock and the tomato paste. Season with salt, black pepper and piment d'espelette. Simmer until the vegetables are tender and the liquid has completely evaporated. Puree with an immersion blender and transfer to a metal or glass bowl.
• Stir the gelatin into the remaining stock in a small saucepan and heat, stirring to dissolve. Mix it well into the puree. Set the mixture on a bed of ice and cool until the mixture mounds when dropped from a spoon. Check the seasonings, adding lemon for acidity if needed. (The mixture should be highly seasoned because the cream, once added, will dilute the taste a bit.)
• Whip the cream and gently fold it in. Pour the mixture into a mold, cover and chill until serving, at least 4 hours.

GREEN PEPPER MOUSSE

Steps:

• Saute peppers and celery or fennel in butter until tender, but not brown, about 15 minutes.
• Place onion, gelatin, lemon juice and boiling water in a blender or food processor and process for about 10 seconds (results will be smoother if you use a blender). Add cooked peppers, celery or fennel and dill and blend until the mixture is uniformly pureed.
• Add the mayonnaise and blend until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the yogurt. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Pour into a four-cup mold and chill at least six hours.
• Unmold and serve garnished with fresh tomatoes, olives and sprigs of dill, or make a sauce by pureeing seeded, chopped fresh tomatoes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper and a few drops of lemon juice.

STIR-FRIED TOFU AND PEPPERS

Steps:

• Optional step for firmer tofu: Blot the tofu dry, wrap in a clean kitchen towel and place a cutting board on top. Let sit for about 15 minutes. Whether weighted or not, slice the tofu about 1/2 inch thick into 1- x 2-inch dominoes.
• Mix together 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium bowl. Toss with the tofu, and stir to make sure all of the pieces are coated. Let sit for five to 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
• In a small bowl, stir together the remaining soy sauce and sugar, hoisin sauce and sesame oil. Set aside.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over high heat until a drop of water evaporates on contact. Add the oil, turn the heat to medium-high and add the peppers. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes, until the peppers begin to soften, and add the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 20 seconds, until the garlic and ginger begin to smell fragrant, and add the tofu, dried red pepper flakes and green onions. Stir-fry two minutes, give the sauce a stir and add to the pan. Cover and cook for three minutes. Remove the lid, stir the ingredients in the pan, and taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with rice or noodles.

RED-PEPPER MOUSSE

Steps:

• Char the peppers over an open flame or under the broiler until the skin blisters and turns black on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the peppers to a paper bag, close and set aside until the peppers are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Split each pepper lengthwise, lay it flat and use a sharp knife to lift off the skin and remove the veins and seeds. Do not rinse the peppers.
• Put the peppers, salt, pepper, yogurt and ricotta into a food processor and process until smooth.
• In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of the puree over low heat until it is hot, but not boiling, and remove from the heat. Soften the gelatin in 1 tablespoon of tepid water and stir into the warmed portion of the puree. Continue stirring for 5 minutes, until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the puree has cooled slightly, then stir in the remaining unheated puree. Place in the food processor and process briefly to combine well.
• Put the mousse into a clean bowl, cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until firm.

RED PEPPER MOUSSE

Steps:

• Put the peppers, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper in a nonstick skillet. Sprinkle with the vinegar, partly cover and cook over medium-low heat until the peppers are tender but not soft, about 25 minutes.
• Puree the mixture in a food processor or blender until smooth. Strain through a sieve lined with cheesecloth. Fold in the yogurt cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This mousse can be stored in the refrigerator in a closed container for up to 3 days. Serve with grilled bread or as a base for pasta salad.