Piquillo Pepper Ketchup Recipes

STUFFED PIQUILLO PEPPERS

Steps:

• For the stuffed piquillo peppers: Pat the peppers with a paper towel to remove any excess brine. Trim the tops of the peppers.
• In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, manchego, chives, honey, lemon zest and juice, paprika, 2 tablespoons of the reserved piquillo brine and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and white pepper. Mix together with a rubber spatula until well combined and smooth.
• Put the mixture in a piping bag or a zip-close bag with a corner snipped off, and pipe it into the peppers, stopping 1/4 inch from the top. Refrigerate until 20 minutes before serving.
• For the herb vinaigrette: Bring the sherry vinegar, honey and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir a few times until the honey and salt have completely dissolved. Remove from the heat, add the golden raisins, and let cool completely, about 15 minutes. Stir in the chives, mint, parsley and 3 tablespoons of the reserved piquillo brine.
• To serve: Spread half of the vinaigrette over a serving plate and arrange the stuffed peppers on top. Spoon the remaining vinaigrette over the peppers. Garnish with the almonds and serve immediately.

PIQUILLO PEPPER KETCHUP

Steps:

• In a saucepan, heat 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes, peppers, vinegar, honey, garlic, thyme and salt and pepper to taste.
• Simmer, uncovered until very thick, about 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
• In a food processor, puree until smooth and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Transfer to a container and stir in the remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil.

PIQUILLO PEPPER AND CHEESE TOASTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush both sides of baguette slices with 2 tablespoons oil. Toast on a rimmed baking sheet until crisp, 7 to 8 minutes.
• Stuff each pepper with a cheese square. Place 1 stuffed pepper on each toast. Bake until cheese melts, 8 to 10 minutes. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Garnish with scallion.

ROASTED RED PEPPER KETCHUP

Steps:

• Combine tomatoes with juices and all remaining ingredients in heavy large saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until reduced to about 3 cups, about 30 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Working in batches, puree ketchup in blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Cool slightly, then chill until cold. (Ketchup can be prepared 1 week ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated).