Salată de Ardei Copți (Romanian Roasted Pepper Salad)
Local name: Salată de ardei copți
In short: Charred red peppers peeled and dressed with garlic, oil and a splash of vinegar, a simple Romanian salad that tastes of late summer. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 45 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 100 kcal
Salată de ardei copți is what Romanian kitchens smell of in early autumn, when peppers are roasted on the stove or in outdoor grills by the basket. The charred skins slip off to leave sweet, silky flesh, which is dressed with garlic, oil and a little vinegar. It goes on the table with grilled meat, cheese and bread, and a jar of it in the fridge makes any meal better.
Instructions
- Roast the peppers whole over a gas flame, on a hot grill or under a very hot broiler, turning every few minutes, until the skin is blackened and blistered all over, about 15 to 20 minutes. In a 230°C (450°F) oven this takes about 30 minutes.
- Put the hot peppers in a bowl and cover with a plate for 15 minutes. The steam loosens the skin.
- Peel off the skin with your fingers and remove the stems and seeds. Do not rinse them in water, which washes away flavor. Tear the flesh into wide strips.
- Let the strips drain in a colander for 10 minutes, saving a few spoonfuls of the juice.
- Toss the peppers with the garlic, oil, vinegar, salt, parsley and a spoonful of the saved juice. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, then serve.
Tips
- Wipe off stubborn bits of charred skin with a paper towel rather than rinsing. A few black flecks add smoky flavor.
- Jarred roasted peppers work in a pinch. Drain them well and dress them as in the last step, adding a little more garlic.
Questions and answers
How long does roasted pepper salad keep?
Up to 5 days in a covered container in the fridge. Keep the peppers under a thin layer of oil and take them out 20 minutes before serving.
What do you serve with it?
It goes with grilled meats such as mici, with fried fish, polenta, cheese and bread. In Romania it is also a classic dish for fasting days.
Which peppers are best?
Long, sweet capia peppers or thick-fleshed round gogoșari are the traditional choice in Romania. Red or yellow bell peppers are the easiest substitute abroad.
How long does it take to make Salată de Ardei Copți (Romanian Roasted Pepper Salad)?
About 45 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Salată de Ardei Copți (Romanian Roasted Pepper Salad)?
About 100 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 8 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 100 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 190 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
