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Appetizers

Fire-Roasted Red Pepper Dip with Feta


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Fire-Roasted Red Pepper Dip with Feta

Recipe Notes

  • Yield: 8 to 12 servings; Makes 2-1/2 to 3 cups

Ingredients

  • 3 red bell peppers
  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed in a colander and drained
  • 3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, or as needed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or to taste)
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
  • Salt (just a little—the feta is salty) and plenty of freshly ground black pepper

  • Fresh or grilled pita bread for dipping

Recipe Steps

Step 1: Char the peppers on all sides. You can do this “caveman” style (laying them directly on the burning embers of a charcoal grill), by direct grilling on a gas grill, or even by charring them on your stovetop burners. The idea is to blacken the skins on all sides (this will take about 3 minutes per side). The charring imparts an incredible smoke flavor. Transfer the peppers to a plate to cool, then scrape off the burnt skin with a paring. (Don’t worry about removing every last bit—a few pieces of black help add color and flavor.) Cut the peppers into 1-inch pieces, discarding the core and seeds.

Step 2: Place the peppers, chickpeas, feta, and garlic in a food processor and puree to a smooth paste. With the processor running add the olive oil, lemon juice, hot pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste: the mixture should be assertively seasoned. Transfer the dip to a shallow bowl and serve with grilled or fresh pita bread for dipping.