Chilled Red Pepper Soup with Sautéed Shrimp

This cold soup builds on the flavors of Spanish gazpacho, only roasted red peppers take the place of tomatoes in the lead role.

• 1 seedless English cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped
• 3 jarred roasted red peppers, cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 1-1/2 cups)
• 3 cups tomato juice
• 2 slices baguette, toasted and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. sherry vinegar or cider vinegar
• 1 medium clove garlic, minced and mashed to a paste
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 lb. medium shrimp (36 to 40 per pound), peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

Cut three-quarters of the cucumber into 1-inch pieces and purée in a blender with the red peppers, tomato juice, toasted bread, 6 Tbs. olive oil, 2 Tbs. vinegar, garlic, cumin, and 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper (you may have to purée the soup in batches, depending on the size of your blender). Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed, and refrigerate until cold, at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.

Heat 1 Tbs. of the olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over high heat until it’s shimmering. Add the shrimp and cook, tossing, until it starts to brown and lose its raw color, about 2 minutes. Stir in the thyme, 1/2 tsp. pepper, and 1/4 tsp. salt, and cook until the shrimp are just cooked through, about 1 minute. Transfer to a plate to cool.

Just before serving, cut the remainder of the cucumber into 1/4-inch dice (about 1/2 cup) and toss with the remaining tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, the remaining 1 tsp. sherry vinegar, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Serve the soup cold in individual bowls, garnished with the cucumber and shrimp.

Sautéed Shrimp and Hazelnut Romesco

Nyora peppers are authentic to making true Catalan romesco sauce. If they’re not avail­able, substitute additional large red peppers such as dried ancho chiles. Use spot prawns instead of extra-large shrimp when available at your local fish market.

• 8 dried Nyora or Ancho chiles
• 2 large red bell peppers
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus 2 Tbs.
• 1/2 cup raw hazelnuts
• 2 Tbs. fine breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, peeled and seeded
• 2 Tbs. sherry vinegar
• Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 16 extra-large shrimp, shelled, deveined, and rinsed
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Snap the stems from the chiles. Shake out and discard the seeds. Put the chiles in a heatproof bowl and cover with 2 cups boiling water. Set a small plate on top to keep the peppers submerged and let sit until softened, about 20 minutes. Discard the soaking liquid. Set the peppers aside.


Roast the red bell peppers: On the stovetop, hold the peppers with tongs over an open burner, turning them until they’re blackened uniformly, about 3 to 5 minutes. (Alternatively, put the peppers on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 450°F until the skins become brown and loosen, about 30 minutes.) Transfer to a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap for 15 minutes, allowing them to steam and cool slightly. Peel the skins from the peppers, remove the seeds, and set the peppers aside.


Heat 2 Tbs. of the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat, then add the hazelnuts and cook, shaking the pan a few times, until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Drain the hazelnuts and let cool slightly. Remove as much paper coating on the nuts as possible. Discard the oil.


Make the romesco sauce: Combine the chiles, roasted red bell peppers, hazelnuts, breadcrumbs, garlic, tomatoes, sherry vinegar, and 1/2 cup olive oil in the bowl of a food processor. Season generously with salt and pepper and pulse until completely puréed. Transfer to a small plastic container, cover, and refrigerate until needed. The romesco can be made a day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator.


Heat the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil in a large straight-sided skillet over high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the shrimp turn pink and become firm, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.


Warm the cold romesco sauce. Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and serve the romesco sauce on the side. Garnish with the chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Corn, Bacon, and Red Pepper Sauté

In this quick side dish, a little bit of salty bacon provides the ideal counterpoint to sweet bell peppers and corn. Serve with grilled chicken or sautéed scallops or shirmp.

• 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 slice thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 3 to 4 medium ears)
• 1/2 cup small-diced red bell pepper
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley 

Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the bacon and cook, stirring often, until browned, about 2 minutes. Add the corn, bell pepper, and 1/4 tsp. salt and cook, stirring often, until heated through, 2 minutes. Stir in the parsley and serve.

Quick-Cooking Ratatouille

Sweet balsamic vinegar helps mellow the flavors of the vegetables.

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and coarsely chopped
• 5 scallions, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 small eggplant, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (about 16), quartered
• 1 large clove garlic, chopped
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar; more to taste
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a large, heavy-based skillet, heat about 2 Tbs. of the olive oil over high heat. Add the bell pepper and scallions and sauté until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add the remaining oil and the eggplant. Reduce the heat to medium high and sauté the eggplant until just barely tender, about 4 minutes. Add the zucchini. Continue cooking, stirring often, until all the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, garlic, and thyme. Cook until the tomatoes are just heated through, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Sprinkle the vegetables with the balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Serve warm.

Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Hot Green Peppers

Couscous is a fine pellet made from semolina flour, each golden grain a bit larger than the head of a pin. Some chefs call it “Moroccan pasta” because it is made with the same durum wheat used to make pasta. Here, cooked couscous is combined with roasted green peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The resulting salad is similar to Middle Eastern tabouleh and perfect for a summer picnic.

• 1-1/2 cups couscous
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 green bell peppers, roasted and diced 
• 2 cups coarsely chopped cherry tomatoes or 2 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 hot green or red chili pepper (jalapeño or serrano), minced 
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or coriander leaves
• 5 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 to 4 Tbs. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp. sweet paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper

Wash the couscous in cold water and drain immediately. Lift and rake the grains with your fingertips to separate them. Let rest 10 minutes.

Heat water in the bottom of a soup pot fitted with a steamer. The steamer should fit snugly into the pot, and the bottom of the steamer should not touch the water. Line the steamer with 3 layers of cheesecloth that cover both the bottom and the sides of the steamer and go up over the top. Add the couscous to the steamer and steam for 20 minutes, fluffing the grains halfway through the cooking.

Remove the couscous from the steamer and put it into a baking pan. Combine the water and salt. Sprinkle the couscous with the salt water. Lift and rake the grains with your fingertips to separate them. Let rest 10 minutes.

Place the steamer back in the soup pot and return the couscous to the cheesecloth-lined steamer. Steam slowly for 15 minutes. Remove the steamer and the couscous. Let the couscous cool completely.

The couscous can be prepared to this point up to 2 days in advance.

Place the couscous in a bowl and add the peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, chili pepper, parsley, and cilantro.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with the couscous and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.

Pork Tenderloin with Spicy Grilled Pepper Relish

Round out this quick sweet-and-spicy pork dinner with white rice.

• 1 Tbs. five-spice powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil, for brushing
• 2 12- to 16-oz. pork tenderloins
• 2 red, yellow, or orange bell peppers (or a mix), quartered lengthwise, stemmed, and seeded
• 2 Tbs. plain rice vinegar
• 1 tsp. chili garlic sauce
• 1 tsp. packed dark brown sugar
• 1 small clove garlic, mashed to a paste
• 2 medium scallions, thinly sliced

Prepare a medium-high (425°F to 450°F) gas or charcoal grill fire.

In a small bowl, combine the five-spice powder, 2 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper. Lightly brush the tenderloins with oil, then sprinkle with the spice mixture. Brush the pepper quarters with oil and season with salt and pepper.

Grill the tenderloins, turning a quarter turn every 3 to 4 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 140°F to 145°F, 15 to 18 minutes.

Meanwhile, grill the peppers skin-side down until grill marks form on one side, about 5 minutes. Flip the peppers and continue to grill until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes more.

Let the tenderloins rest for 5 minutes. Thinly slice the pepper quarters.

In a medium bowl, combine the rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Stir in the peppers and scallions.

Cut the pork crosswise on a diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices and serve with the relish.

Sweet and Spicy Roasted Vegetables

When you think of vegetables as a major player on your plate—more of a main course than a side—suddenly they merit more attention and creativity, but that doesn't mean they need to be difficult. This dish is simple, fragrant, and delicious.

• 5 medium carrots, halved lengthwise, and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1-1/2 cups)
• 2 small red onions, each cut into 8 wedges (trim the root end but leave intact to hold layers together)
• 2 medium red bell peppers, seeded and cut into 11/2-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
• 1-1/2 lb. butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne
• 1 Tbs. honey
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme

Position a rack in the center of the oven, put a rimmed baking sheet on the rack, and heat the oven to 450°F.

In a large bowl, toss the carrots, onions, bell peppers, and squash with 1 Tbs. of the oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the vegetables on the hot baking sheet in a single layer and roast until tender, 30 to 35 minutes.

Heat the remaining 1 Tbs. oil in an 8-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the spices and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the honey and thyme and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Drizzle the spice mixture over the roasted vegetables and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Sautéed Shrimp and Hazelnut Romesco

Nyora peppers are authentic to making true Catalan romesco sauce. If they’re not avail­able, substitute additional large red peppers such as dried ancho chiles. Use spot prawns instead of extra-large shrimp when available at your local fish market.

• 8 dried Nyora or Ancho chiles
• 2 large red bell peppers
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus 2 Tbs.
• 1/2 cup raw hazelnuts
• 2 Tbs. fine breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, peeled and seeded
• 2 Tbs. sherry vinegar
• Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 16 extra-large shrimp, shelled, deveined, and rinsed
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Snap the stems from the chiles. Shake out and discard the seeds. Put the chiles in a heatproof bowl and cover with 2 cups boiling water. Set a small plate on top to keep the peppers submerged and let sit until softened, about 20 minutes. Discard the soaking liquid. Set the peppers aside.


Roast the red bell peppers: On the stovetop, hold the peppers with tongs over an open burner, turning them until they’re blackened uniformly, about 3 to 5 minutes. (Alternatively, put the peppers on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 450°F until the skins become brown and loosen, about 30 minutes.) Transfer to a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap for 15 minutes, allowing them to steam and cool slightly. Peel the skins from the peppers, remove the seeds, and set the peppers aside.


Heat 2 Tbs. of the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat, then add the hazelnuts and cook, shaking the pan a few times, until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Drain the hazelnuts and let cool slightly. Remove as much paper coating on the nuts as possible. Discard the oil.


Make the romesco sauce: Combine the chiles, roasted red bell peppers, hazelnuts, breadcrumbs, garlic, tomatoes, sherry vinegar, and 1/2 cup olive oil in the bowl of a food processor. Season generously with salt and pepper and pulse until completely puréed. Transfer to a small plastic container, cover, and refrigerate until needed. The romesco can be made a day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator.


Heat the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil in a large straight-sided skillet over high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the shrimp turn pink and become firm, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.


Warm the cold romesco sauce. Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and serve the romesco sauce on the side. Garnish with the chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Corn, Green Pepper, Ham, and Cheese Omelet

This twist on a western omelet makes for a hearty breakfast (or a fast and easy dinner) when served with buttered toast.

• 1/2 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 2 heaping Tbs. fresh corn kernels (from about a third of a medium ear)
• 1 Tbs. small-diced green bell pepper
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 slice Jarlsberg cheese
• 1 slice smoked ham, cut into 1/4-inch strip

Melt the butter in an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn, bell peppers, a generous pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low.

In a small bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the eggs to the skillet and spread them and the corn mixture evenly around the pan. Cover and cook until the top is set, about 2 minutes. Lay the cheese on top of the egg and add the ham.

Turn off the heat and let sit, covered, until the cheese is melted, 30 seconds. Using a spatula, lift one edge of the omelet, fold it over by a third, and then continue to roll it out of the pan and onto a plate, seam side down. Serve immediately.

Corn, Bacon, and Red Pepper Sauté

In this quick side dish, a little bit of salty bacon provides the ideal counterpoint to sweet bell peppers and corn. Serve with grilled chicken or sautéed scallops or shirmp.

• 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 slice thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 3 to 4 medium ears)
• 1/2 cup small-diced red bell pepper
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley 

Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the bacon and cook, stirring often, until browned, about 2 minutes. Add the corn, bell pepper, and 1/4 tsp. salt and cook, stirring often, until heated through, 2 minutes. Stir in the parsley and serve.

Creamy Rotini with Zucchini, Tomato, and Red Pepper

The season’s most plentiful vegetables come together in this satisfying pasta dish. To make it even heartier, try adding diced grilled chicken.

• Kosher salt
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 small white onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 2 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1-3/4 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano finely grated with a rasp (3/4 cup); more for serving
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
• 1 Tbs. finely grated lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
• 1 lb. rotini, or other short corkscrew pasta

Bring an 8-quart pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat.

Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, garlic, 2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are barely tender, about 7 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 7 minutes. Stir in the cheese, basil, and lemon zest.

Meanwhile, boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente.

Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Pour in the sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper, sprinkle with additional cheese, and serve.

Grilled Bread with Red Peppers & Eggplant

The grilled vegetable compote, called escalivada, can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated (drizzle olive oil over the surface and cover well) but serve it at room temperature. Bread rubbed with tomato is a classic Catalan snack, but here it's the platform for escalivada. You could serve it as a tapa, as a side dish with Chicken Thighs Baked with Lemon, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme, or alongside a Green Salad with Olives, Manchego & Romesco Sauce.See The Guide to Grilling for more recipes for grilled breads.

For the escalivada:

• 2 medium eggplant, surfaces pricked with a fork
• 2 red bell peppers
• 2 to 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, very thinly sliced

For the bread and tomato:

• 6 slices country or peasant bread
• 1 large clove garlic, halved
• 2 or 3 small ripe tomatoes, halved crosswise
• Extra-virgin olive oil to taste
• Coarse salt or sea salt to taste

To make the escalivada -- Prepare a hot fire in a grill or heat the broiler. Put the eggplant and red peppers on the grill or in a shallow pan set under the broiler (turn on the exhaust fan). Grill or broil the vegetables until they're completely blackened and the eggplant is soft, carefully turning them every few minutes with tongs; the peppers take about 8 minutes. under the broiler and the eggplant about 14 min. Wrap them snugly in a paper grocery bag so they steam.

After 20 minutes, unwrap the vegetables and peel off the skins. Halve the peppers lengthwise, remove the core, scrape out the seeds, and cut the flesh into long, fine strips. Remove the eggplant stems but leave the seeds (unless they're unpleasantly large) and pull the flesh into thin strips with your fingers. Toss the peppers and eggplant in a bowl with the olive oil and garlic.

To make the bread and tomato -- Grill or toast the bread; while it's still warm, rub a garlic half onto the crust and on one side of each slice. Rub the tomato halves on the garlic-rubbed side of the toasts so they turn rosy with pulp. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and pile on a tangle of escalivada. Cut the toasts in half, if large, and serve.

Shiitake and Roasted Red Pepper Puff Pastry Tart

Almonds and tarragon may seem like unusual additions to a mushroom and pepper tart, but the combination is simply amazing. Serve a slice with a green salad to make it a meal.

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 9 oz.), thawed
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 8 oz. shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and cut into bite-size pieces (about 3 cups)
• Kosher salt
• 4 oz. jarred roasted red peppers, patted dry and coarsely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
• 4 oz. Gruyère, coarsely grated (about 1-1/2 cups)
• 1 Tbs plus 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh tarragon
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 Tbs. sliced almonds

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F.

Unfold the pastry sheet on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and score a 3/4-inch border on each side with the tip of a paring knife. Beat the egg in a medium bowl. Brush the border with some of the egg. Prick the rest of the crust all over with a fork and bake until puffed and golden, about 15 minutes. Gently press the center of the pastry to flatten large air pockets.

Meanwhile, heat the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until the foam subsides. Add the mushrooms, season with 1/2 tsp. salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the edges start to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat to cool slightly.

Add the mushrooms, red peppers, cheese, 1 Tbs. of the tarragon, and 1/2 tsp. pepper to the remaining beaten egg and gently stir to combine. Spread the mixture over the tart, leaving the border uncovered. Sprinkle the almonds over the vegetables and continue to bake until the cheese is melted and the topping is heated through, about 10 minutes more. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tsp. tarragon. Cool slightly before serving.

Grilled Vegetable Salad with Feta

This fresh, colorful, Greek-inspired salad is perfect with grilled or roast chicken, steak, or lamb, and a slice of crusty bread.

• 1 small or 1/2 medium fennel bulb with fronds attached
• 1 medium orange bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and cut lengthwise into 4 or 5 pieces
• 1 medium red onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 1 medium yellow squash, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 3 Tbs. red wine vinegar
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1-1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (2-1/2 oz.)
• 3 Tbs. loosely packed thinly sliced fresh basil

Cut the stalks off the fennel bulb. Remove about 1/4 cup of the fronds from the stalks, chop the fronds, and reserve. Cut the fennel in quarters lengthwise and trim away most of the core, leaving just enough intact to keep the layers together. Slice the quarters lengthwise 1/4 inch thick.


Prepare a medium gas or charcoal grill fire (alternatively, use an indoor grill pan over medium-high heat). Arrange the vegetables in a single layer on a tray or work surface. Brush both sides of the vegetables with 2 Tbs. of the olive oil and season with 1/4 tsp. salt.


Grill the vegetables in batches, flipping once, until both sides are nicely charred and the vegetables are just tender, about 12 minutes total for the fennel, 10 minutes total for the pepper, and 6 minutes total for the onion and squash. When the vegetables are cool enough to handle, cut them into 1/2-inch dice and transfer to a large bowl.


In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 2 Tbs. olive oil, the vinegar, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Toss the vegetables with the dressing. Gently stir in the tomatoes and fennel fronds. Season to taste with more salt and pepper. Divide the salad among 4 plates and sprinkle with the feta and basil.

Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Dip

Charred bell peppers make a velvety base for the Mediterranean flavors of feta, dill and garlic in this tasty, good-for-you dip. Serve it with whole-grain pita wedges or toasted baguette slices brushed with olive oil and rubbed with garlic.

• 3 medium red bell peppers
• 1 medium clove garlic
• Fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta (about 3 oz.)
• 2 Tbs. plain dry breadcrumbs
• 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbs. chopped fresh dill

Position a rack 5 to 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler on high. Put the peppers on a heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet and broil, turning every 5 minutes, until the skin is charred all around and the peppers have softened, about 20 minutes. Put the peppers in a large bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let sit until cool enough to handle. Remove the skins, seeds, and stems.


Peel and mince the garlic clove. With the side of a chef’s knife, mash the garlic and 1/4 tsp. salt together to form a paste.


Put the peppers, feta, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor and process until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the garlic paste and dill. Season to taste with salt and serve.

Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Dip

Charred bell peppers make a velvety base for the Mediterranean flavors of feta, dill and garlic in this tasty, good-for-you dip. Serve it with whole-grain pita wedges or toasted baguette slices brushed with olive oil and rubbed with garlic.

• 3 medium red bell peppers
• 1 medium clove garlic
• Fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta (about 3 oz.)
• 2 Tbs. plain dry breadcrumbs
• 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbs. chopped fresh dill

Position a rack 5 to 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler on high. Put the peppers on a heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet and broil, turning every 5 minutes, until the skin is charred all around and the peppers have softened, about 20 minutes. Put the peppers in a large bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let sit until cool enough to handle. Remove the skins, seeds, and stems.


Peel and mince the garlic clove. With the side of a chef’s knife, mash the garlic and 1/4 tsp. salt together to form a paste.


Put the peppers, feta, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor and process until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the garlic paste and dill. Season to taste with salt and serve.

Spicy Slow-Cooker Veggie Chili with Summer Squash and Jalapeños

This colorful chili is delicious with sour cream, diced avocados, and warm tortillas or lime-flavored tortilla chips. For less heat, omit the jalapeño.

• 1⁄4 cup vegetable oil, divided
• 1-1/2 cups red bell peppers, diced (about 1)
• 1-1⁄2 cups green bell peppers, diced (about 1)
• 1/2 cup scallions, white, light green, and some dark green parts, thinly sliced (about 4)
• 2 Tbs. minced garlic
• 2 tsp. minced jalapeño (1 small)
• 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
• 5 grinds black pepper
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 4 cups yellow summer squash, diced (about 2)
• 1 15-oz. can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1⁄4 cup tomato paste
• 2 Tbs. minced chiles or liquid from a can of chipotle chiles en adobo
• 2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
• 1 28-oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable stock
• 3 Tbs. fresh-squeezed, strained lime juice
• 1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
• Diced avocado, for serving (optional)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Tip:

To adapt a slow-cooker recipe to a conventional oven, follow these guidelines: add more liquid, to accommodate for greater evaporation; bring the dish to a boil over high heat in a Dutch oven, then cover the pot and put in a 350°F oven. Plan on the dish taking roughly half the time to cook in the oven as it would in the slow cooker.

Heat half of the oil in a 10-inch, heavy sauté pan over medium-high heat. When warm, add the bell peppers, scallions, garlic, jalapeño, half of the salt, the black pepper, and chili powder, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 6 minutes. Add the squash and sauté until slightly softened, another 3 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker, add the beans, and mix well.

Reduce the heat to medium under the sauté pan and add the remaining oil, plus the tomato paste, chiles or chipotle liquid, and flour. Cook until the mixture is thickened and the flour disappears, about 1 minute. Increase the heat to high and add the tomatoes with their juices, the stock, lime juice, and remaining salt. Boil, stirring well, for 2 minutes, and pour into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low to meld the flavors, 3 to 4 hours. Stir in the cilantro, and serve with the chips, avocado, and sour cream, if desired.

Chicken Cutlets with Bell Pepper Ragout

Broiled peppers, tomatoes, and onions become a luscious topping for quickly sautéed chicken breast cutlets. The fried caper garnish adds a crisp, salty note.

• 1 1/4 lb. ripe plum tomatoes (6 to 8), cored, halved lengthwise, and seeded
• 1 medium red or orange bell pepper, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1 small yellow onion, cut into medium dice
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 tsp. piment d’Espelette or 1/8 tsp. cayenne
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium clove garlic, mashed to a paste with 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, sliced into cutlets 
• 2 Tbs. nonpareil (small) capers, rinsed and patted dry

Position a rack 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler on high.


Line a heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet with foil. Put the tomatoes cut side up on one side and the peppers and onion on the other side. Drizzle everything with 3 Tbs. of the olive oil and sprinkle with the piment d’Espelette, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Toss the peppers and onions. Broil until the tomatoes are collapsed, about 7 minutes. Flip the tomatoes, toss the peppers and onions, and broil until the tomato skins have large black spots and the peppers and onions are tender, about 5 minutes more.


Use tongs to pull the skins off the tomatoes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a cutting board. Put the peppers and onions in a large bowl; add the garlic paste. Chop the tomatoes and add to the bowl with the other vegetables. Mix well, season to taste with salt and pepper, and keep warm.


Heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Put the flour in a shallow pan. Season the chicken with 1-1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper; dredge in the flour. Working in 2 batches, cook the chicken, flipping once, until just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to serving plates. Wipe out the pan. Heat the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil and fry the capers over medium-high heat until they pop open and become crisp, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle them over the chicken. Serve with the ragout.

Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Hot Green Peppers

Couscous is a fine pellet made from semolina flour, each golden grain a bit larger than the head of a pin. Some chefs call it “Moroccan pasta” because it is made with the same durum wheat used to make pasta. Here, cooked couscous is combined with roasted green peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The resulting salad is similar to Middle Eastern tabouleh and perfect for a summer picnic.

• 1-1/2 cups couscous
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 green bell peppers, roasted and diced 
• 2 cups coarsely chopped cherry tomatoes or 2 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 hot green or red chili pepper (jalapeño or serrano), minced 
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or coriander leaves
• 5 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 to 4 Tbs. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp. sweet paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper

Wash the couscous in cold water and drain immediately. Lift and rake the grains with your fingertips to separate them. Let rest 10 minutes.

Heat water in the bottom of a soup pot fitted with a steamer. The steamer should fit snugly into the pot, and the bottom of the steamer should not touch the water. Line the steamer with 3 layers of cheesecloth that cover both the bottom and the sides of the steamer and go up over the top. Add the couscous to the steamer and steam for 20 minutes, fluffing the grains halfway through the cooking.

Remove the couscous from the steamer and put it into a baking pan. Combine the water and salt. Sprinkle the couscous with the salt water. Lift and rake the grains with your fingertips to separate them. Let rest 10 minutes.

Place the steamer back in the soup pot and return the couscous to the cheesecloth-lined steamer. Steam slowly for 15 minutes. Remove the steamer and the couscous. Let the couscous cool completely.

The couscous can be prepared to this point up to 2 days in advance.

Place the couscous in a bowl and add the peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, chili pepper, parsley, and cilantro.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with the couscous and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.

Roasted Red Bell Pepper Soup with Star Anise

I like to serve this soup with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a splash of really flavorful vinegar on each serving. It’s also delicious served cold, and it can be garnished with a few cooked shrimp, a mound of crabmeat, or a bit of goat cheese.

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 large onions (about 24 oz. total), chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cubic inch fresh ginger (about 1/2 oz.), peeled and chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped (about 4 oz. chopped)
• 2 qt. homemade or low-salt chicken broth
• 7 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and seeded; juices reserved
• 2 pods (or 1-1/2 tsp. broken pieces) star anise
• 1 tsp. kosher salt; more to taste
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; more to taste
• Pinch cayenne
• 12 leaves fresh basil
• Extra-virgin olive oil and sherry vinegar (optional)

Heat the 1/4 cup olive oil in a 6-qt. soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, ginger, and carrots and sauté until very soft but not browned, 20 to 25 minutes.

Add the broth and turn the heat to high. Add the roasted peppers and any reserved juices, as well as the star anise, salt, pepper, and cayenne. As soon as the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Purée the soup 2 cups at a time in a blender, with all the basil leaves going in the blender along with the first 2 cups of soup. Purée each batch of soup in the blender for at least 1 min. (Vent the lid and hold a folded dishtowel over the lid to prevent leaks.) Combine all the puréed soup in one container, taste, and add more salt and pepper to bring all the flavors into balance. (For a thinner soup, strain through a wide-mesh sieve.) Serve with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a splash of sherry vinegar.