Pimiento Pepper
A sweet and tangy pepper relish made with ground red bell peppers, sugar, and vinegar, perfect for adding a zesty kick to dishes or serving as a condiment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground red peppers, sugar, vinegar, and salt in a large pot.
- Cook the mixture for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the hot mixture into clean jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the red peppers before grinding them. If you want a sweeter version, you can increase the sugar slightly or use honey as a substitute. Make sure to wear gloves when handling ground red peppers to avoid skin irritation. This recipe can also be adapted for spicy pimiento by adding crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Pimiento pepper is versatile and pairs beautifully with crackers and cheese as an appetizer. It can also be used as a condiment for grilled meats or as a spread in sandwiches. For a unique twist, try it as a topping for *Mamaliga or mix it into pasta dishes for added flavor. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful plate.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the pimiento pepper mixture to cool completely before sealing it in clean, sterilized jars. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving to restore its original consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pimiento Pepper contains roughly 315 calories, with 8g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (720% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (83% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh red peppers instead of ground?
Yes, you can use fresh red peppers, but you will need to roast and blend them into a puree before cooking. This may alter the texture slightly, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the mixture. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance, and remember that the heat will intensify as it cooks.
What can I use if I don't have vinegar?
If you're out of vinegar, lemon juice can serve as a substitute, adding acidity to balance the sweetness. However, the flavor profile will change slightly, so keep that in mind when making the swap.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).