How to prepare dried peppers for the winter: recipes with photos, tips for storing the product

Sun-dried tomatoes in oil are a delicious snack that has captivated many with its excellent taste and aroma of herbs. Did you know that bell and bitter peppers are prepared using the same method? Today we will tell you about the secrets and benefits of making dried peppers at home.

Preparing dried peppers for the winter

Drying is one of the best ways to preserve perishable vegetables for the winter. These include Bulgarian And burning pepper. The method is based on the principle of partial evaporation of moisture. The result is elastic slices that, when pressed, bend and do not crumble into dust.

In this matter, it is important to choose quality products and prepare them correctly. For drying, household appliances are used: microwave, oven, electric dryer.

The finished product is perfectly preserved in oil in the refrigerator or in glass containers without additives.

Bulgarian

To prepare delicious dried peppers, use these tips for selecting and preparing fruits:

1. Buy vegetables with bright colors and thick flesh. They should not show signs of rot, stains or cracks.
2. Wash the fruits in warm water and dry with a paper towel. Cut large ones into quarters, medium ones - in half. Remove the tails and seed pods. Peppers are sometimes peeled to enhance the flavor. But this is not a mandatory rule. Cook as you wish.
3. To remove the skin, pour boiling water over the fruit and leave for three minutes.Then transfer to cold water. Using a knife, lift the peel and quickly remove it.
4. Before starting the drying process, grease the peppers with vegetable oil, sprinkle with spices and chopped garlic. Add a little sea salt or sugar. This will enhance the taste of the product.

Spicy

The rules for preparing hot peppers are no different from preparing sweet fruits:

1. Choose peppercorns with thick flesh and a smooth and elastic surface.
2. Wash the fruits, dry them and cut them into halves. Cut off the stem and remove the seeds. Rinse the slices under running water and remove the internal membranes. If you want the heat to remain, leave some of the seeds.
3. Place the peppers on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil as desired and sprinkle with spices and dry herbs.

Advantages and disadvantages of the method

The main advantage of drying peppers is the ability to preserve most of the vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain immunity during the cold season. Compared to dried peppers, the taste of dried peppers is brighter and richer.

With regular use of the product, the condition of hair and nails improves. A large amount of fiber normalizes the functioning of the intestines, and consequently, other interconnected systems of the body.

Potassium and magnesium regulate the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, prevent the formation of blood clots, and promote blood thinning. Pepper has a beneficial effect on the condition of the mucous membranes and skin.

The calorie content of dried peppers without additives in the form of vegetable oil and spices is 118 kcal per 100 g.

There is no need to talk about the disadvantages of drying peppers. Here are some solid advantages:

• not too time-consuming;
• can be stored for a long time in dry form and even longer in oil filling;
• the product does not lose its taste and is able to enrich dishes made from cereals, meat, flour, and other vegetables.

How to cook dried peppers

To prepare dried peppers, household appliances are used: microwave, oven and electric dryer. Each of their methods has advantages and disadvantages. Let's talk about them in more detail.

In the oven

Modern ovens are equipped with many useful features. One of them is convection, which allows you to dry any fruits and vegetables without much effort.

The mode ensures free circulation of air inside. Thanks to this, excess moisture quickly evaporates. If you have an older oven model, simply keep the door ajar.

Preparation:

1. Prepare the peppers by covering a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Place the pieces skin side down. You can put garlic, spices and oil inside the boats.
3. Set the temperature to 100-120°C and leave for 1.5 hours.
4. Turn off the oven, leave to cool for a while, then set the same temperature and cook for 40-60 minutes.
5. Leave in the oven until completely cool.

In the dryer

Drying peppers in an electric dryer is as easy as shelling pears:

1. Place the prepared vegetables on the racks, leaving space between the slices.
2. Set the temperature to 75°C. Check the vegetables every 30 minutes and turn if necessary. Remember that the peppers should not dry out completely.
3. The preparation time for the product is 3-4 hours.

In the microwave

Microwave dried peppers are the most difficult to prepare. It is necessary to constantly be on the alert and monitor the vegetables. The main task is to prevent the vegetables from being cooked.

Preparation:

1. Place the prepared vegetables on a plate and pour over the oil.
2. Set the maximum power and cooking time to 5 minutes.Then remove the plate and drain the resulting liquid.
3. Cool the slices and repeat the procedure 3-4 times. Don't forget to drain the juice every time.

How to check readiness

The readiness of the product is indicated by the wrinkled skin. The pulp will decrease several times. The pieces are elastic to the touch, dried, but not overly dry. A small percentage of moisture should remain in the pepper.

How to store dried peppers

Dry dried peppers are perfectly preserved in glass containers with lids. But most often, the slices are poured with the aromatic oil in which they were cooked, or a filling is prepared based on it with the addition of spices.

Any vegetable oil will do - olive or sunflower. It should completely cover the vegetables and be two centimeters higher than their level.

Peppers in oil are stored in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place.

Dried peppers for the winter in oil

To prepare dried peppers in oil, use a simple recipe (the photo shows the finished result).

Ingredients:

• bell or hot pepper – 1 kg;
• extra virgin olive oil – 50 ml;
• balsamic vinegar to taste.

Preparation:

1. Wash the peppers, dry them, remove the stem and core. Rinse with cold water and place cut side down in a bowl. This will ensure free flow of water.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment or grease with oil. Arrange the slices.
3. Preheat the oven to 120°C, place the baking sheets and cook for 3-4 hours. Gradually reduce heat to 110°C.
4. Remove the vegetables after the cooking time has passed and leave to cool.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a water bath or in the microwave. Add garlic if desired.
6. Place the peppers in a jar, pour in warm oil, pour in a little balsamic vinegar and close the lid.

Reference. Vinegar extends the shelf life of the product.

Store in the refrigerator or cellar.

In seasonings and spices

Dried peppers in aromatic herbs and spices will delight you with a rich taste and pleasant aroma.

Ingredients:

• sweet or bitter pepper – 1 kg;
• rosemary, thyme, oregano;
• salt, black pepper - to taste;
• Extra Virgin olive oil – 80 ml;
• garlic – 3-4 cloves.

Preparation:

1. Wash the vegetables, peel them, rinse with water. Cut into 2-4 pieces depending on size.
2. Cook in the oven at 100°C or in an electric dryer at 75°C. Adjust the time as you wish and constantly monitor the slices so as not to dry out.
3. Peel the garlic and cut into thin slices.
4. Place chilled peppers in a glass container, add spices and garlic.
5. Pour in olive oil and close the lid.

Store in the refrigerator on the top shelf.

Read also:

How to pickle hot peppers for the winter using the best recipes from around the world.

How to cook peppers marinated with honey for the winter.

How to dry bell peppers.

Chef's Notes

Dried peppers are a delicious snack with a wonderful taste and aroma. It is consumed on its own, added to salads, meat dishes, pizza, spread on croutons, and combined with other vegetables and cheese. For preparations, select undamaged vegetables without stains or rot.