Imagine a creamy, vibrant spread that captures the sun-kissed essence of Mediterranean cuisine in every single bite! This Sweet Roast Red Capsicum Pate is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms humble bell peppers into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy appetizer that will have your guests begging for the recipe. With its rich, smoky flavor and velvety smooth texture, this pate is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet moment.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 red bell peppers, roasted and peeled
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Wash the red bell peppers and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Place whole red bell peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and rotate to coat evenly.
- Roast the peppers in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and blistered on all sides.
- Remove peppers from oven and immediately place them in a sealed glass bowl or plastic bag to steam. Let rest for 10 minutes to help loosen the skin.
- Carefully peel off the charred skin from the peppers, removing seeds and stem. Pat the roasted pepper flesh dry with paper towels.
- In a food processor, combine roasted pepper flesh, cream cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to enhance flavor profile.
- Transfer the pate to a serving bowl, smooth the top, and drizzle with a little olive oil.
- Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable crudités.
Tips
- Choose bright, firm red bell peppers for the most intense flavor and sweetness.
- When roasting peppers, ensure you get a good char for that signature smoky taste—don't be afraid of some blackened skin!
- The steaming technique after roasting is crucial—it helps easily remove the skin and intensifies the pepper's natural sweetness.
- Use a high-quality cream cheese for the smoothest, most luxurious texture.
- For extra depth, try adding a small roasted garlic clove or a pinch of smoked paprika to the blend.
- Let the pate sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to develop even more.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
