How To Roast Bell Peppers

Preheat a grill or a gas stovetop burner on high.

If using a grill, toss the bell peppers on the grill rack, directly over the heat, and cook, turning frequently with tongs, until blistered and blackened on all sides. If using a gas stovetop burner, roast a single bell pepper at a time by grasping it with tongs and holding it over the flames of a gas burner turned on high, turning occasionally, until blistered and blackened on all sides. If using a broiler, adjust the oven rack so the bell peppers are a few inches from the heating element and cook, turning frequently with tongs, until blistered and blackened on all sides.

Toss the charred bell peppers in a brown paper grocery bag and tightly close the bag by rolling the top over several times or dump the charred bell peppers in a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let the bell peppers steam for about 5 minutes.

Grab a paring knife and halve each bell pepper lengthwise. Cut out the stem, seeds, and ribs and toss them in the compost. Place the bell pepper, interior side down, on a cutting board and flatten the bell pepper with the palm of your hand. Pull the charred peel off with your fingers, using a sharp knife to scrape or to cut off patches that don’t readily come off. You want to leave some bits of black on for flavor.

Use the peppers immediately or store them in a plastic container, refrigerated, for up to 1 week. If desired, you can pack the roasted bell peppers in olive oil to cover.