Equipment
Ingredients
Base Components
- 300 g roasted red peppers, jarred, drained well
- 20 g capers, drained and rinsed
- 15 g fresh flat-leaf parsley, stems removed, roughly chopped
- 1 garlic, peeled and smashed
Liquids and Seasoning
- 45 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 15 ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 g black pepper, freshly cracked
- 2 g kosher salt
Nutrition (per serving)
Method
Remove the drained roasted red peppers from their jar and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is critical to prevent the final spread from becoming too watery.
Place the dried peppers, capers, parsley, and smashed garlic into the bowl of a food processor.
Pulse the ingredients 5 to 7 times until coarsely chopped. Stop the processor and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula.
Pour in the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and black pepper. Pulse another 3 to 4 times to combine into a chunky, spreadable paste. Do not over-process into a pureed liquid; you want distinct texture.
Taste the spread and add kosher salt only if needed, keeping in mind that the capers add natural brininess. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and let rest in the refrigerator at 4 C (39 F) for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Chef's Notes
- For the best flavor, seek out high-quality jarred peppers roasted in water or brine rather than oil, so you can control the quality and freshness of the extra virgin olive oil in the final spread.
- If you prefer a deeper, more robust flavor profile, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle background warmth.
- This spread is incredibly versatile. Beyond a crostini topping, it works beautifully as a sandwich spread, a stir-in sauce for hot pasta, or a vibrant condiment served alongside roasted winter vegetables.
Storage
Refrigerator: 1 week — Store in an airtight jar, topped with a thin layer of olive oil to preserve freshness.
Freezer: 1 month — Can be frozen, but texture may become watery upon thawing. Stir vigorously before serving.
