Siena Farms Kids’ Share 2016, Week 5: Peppers, Peppers, Peppers!
Who knew there were so many types of peppers! This week’s share was filled with all different shapes, sizes, and colors of peppers: Ripe Bell Peppers, Lunch Box Peppers, Shishito Peppers, and Jalapeno Peppers. Additionally, the share included Peter Wilcox Potatoes, Green Oakleaf Lettuce, and Garlic. This week’s surprise was a bag of fresh soil with a small pot and some basil seeds.
When trying to think of the best way to incorporate these awesome peppers into one dish, a great solution would be to do a vegetables and dip dish! We used one of our favorite dip recipes. Check it out:
WHIPPED FETA AND ROASTED RED PEPPER DIP
ChopChop’s beloved friend, chef Ana Sortun, allowed us to adapt the recipe she uses in her Boston-area Middle Eastern restaurants. When you order this Turkish dip, it’s easy to assume it’s a complicated and time-consuming recipe. Make it yourself and you’ll see that it isn’t.
HANDS-ON TIME: 20 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 45 MINUTES
MAKES: 2 CUPS
KITCHEN GEAR:
Cutting board
Sharp knife (adult needed)
Baking sheet
Pot holders
Tongs
Medium-sized bowl
Dinner plate
Food processor (adult needed)
Measuring spoons
Rubber spatula
Serving bowl or lidded container
INGREDIENTS
1 red bell pepper, stemmed (with the stem removed), halved lengthwise, and seeds and white ribs removed
1⁄2 pound feta cheese, broken into chunks
1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more if you like it spicy)
1⁄4 teaspoon paprika (any kind is fine)
1⁄2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS
- Arrange one of your oven racks so that it is close to the top of the oven, nearest the broiler. Set the broiler to high.
- Put the pepper halves on the baking sheet, cut side down. Carefully put the sheet on the top oven rack and broil until blackened, about 15 minutes.
- Using the tongs, put the peppers in the bowl and cover with the plate. Set aside until the peppers are cool enough to handle, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Peel and rub off as much of the blackened skin from the peppers as you can (this is a very messy but fun job) and throw away the skin. (Note: you now have roasted peppers! These are great in a sandwich.)
- Put the peppers in the bowl of the food processor fitted with a steel blade and process until finely chopped. Add the remaining ingredients and process until smooth.
- Using the spatula, scoop the dip into the serving bowl or lidded container. Serve right away or cover and refrigerate up to 3 days.
Did you know?
Another pepper! Paprika, the red-colored spice, is made from dried, ground peppers calledcapsicum annuum. Smoked paprika, called pimentón in Spain, is made from peppers dried over a wood fire, and it will give the dip a distinctive smoky flavor.
What’s your favorite vegetable dip? Share with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!