Chili peppers are a group of peppers that features a wide variety of flavors, colors and levels of "hot." From the mildly sweet bell pepper to the "blow your head off" hot of the bhut jolokia, the family of chili peppers truly has something for everyone. There are several ways to preserve chili peppers. Preserving them in olive oil not only prolongs the life of the chili peppers, but it infuses them with that distinctive, mellow olive oil flavor, making them the perfect garnish for pizza, hot salads, soups and focaccia.
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Wash your chili peppers thoroughly in cool water. Pat dry with a soft cloth.
3. Spread the chili peppers over a cookie sheet in a single layer. Place the cookie sheet in your preheated oven and roast for five to seven minutes or until the skins begin to turn black and bubble.
4. Remove the chili peppers from the oven. Peel the skin from the chili peppers and slice them into strips. You may opt to remove the seeds, but if you prefer your chili peppers extra hot, leave the seeds intact.
5. Place the chili pepper strips into a clean, air-tight glass jar.
6. Pour olive oil over the chili peppers--enough to completely cover them. Leave approximately 1/2 inch of space at the top of the jar.
7. Seal the glass jar tightly and securely. Place it immediately in the refrigerator. Your preserved chili peppers will keep for seven to 10 days.
Tags: chili peppers, cookie sheet, your chili, your chili peppers
