Five To Try Series: Ingredient #5 Piquillo Peppers

Most of us immediately think HOT when we hear the word “pepper.” But the sweet, succulent and smoky flavors of piquillo peppers make these a favorite in Italian and Spanish cuisine.

Piquillo Pepper Facts:

• A variety of chile, the piquillo pepper features a sweet, juicy, tangy taste with not too much heat.
• Their name is derived from Spanish, meaning “little beak.”
• Piquillo peppers are hand picked, roasted over open fires, peeled and then packed into jars. Usually they’re just soaking in olive oil or their own natural juices.

Piquillo Pepper Tips:

• Try substituting any roasted red pepper ingredient for piquillo peppers to add a tangy, unexpected flavor.
• Piquillo peppers are ideal for being stuffed with meat or seafood due to their firm skin and bold flavor.
• Piquillo peppers also pair quite well with anchovies, another ingredient featured in our ‘5 Ingredients to Try in 2016’ series.

Ways to Try Piquillo Peppers:

• Replace the red peppers in our Roasted Red Pepper Soup with piquillo peppers for a sweet, smoky flavor.
• Try slivering piquillo peppers and adding them to a sandwich, salad or pasta sauce such as Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce.
• Piquillo peppers are delicious on crusty bread with olive oil and salt, or missed into a warm goat cheese and crostini dish.  Try it in our Baked Goat Cheese and Marinara.