Chili Capsicum Sauce

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Serves Enough for 8 people

Homemade sauces and salsas are such a great way to add flavour to your dishes. And with store-bought sauces loaded with so many preservatives and sugar, why not whip up some homemade sauces and enjoy them guilt-free?

This salsa can be used in so many ways. You can use it as a pasta sauce and create a quick and easy one-pot meal, or add it to fritters or croquettes as a dipping sauce.

Chili Capsicum Sauce

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Serves Enough for 8 people

Ingredients

  • 3 vine-ripened tomatoes
  • 1 red pepper
  • 1 green pepper
  • 1 yellow pepper
  • 1 onion
  • 1 fresh chilli
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt

Method

  1. Remove seeds from peppers and cut into big pieces and place on baking tin.
  2. Cut tomato into pieces and onion and add to baking tin.
  3. Top vegetables with olive oil, salt and chopped fresh chilli.
  4. Bake in oven for 30 minutes or until nicely roasted.
  5. Blend food processor blend into smooth and creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key flavour profiles and uses for this Chili Capsicum Sauce?

This sauce appears to have a flavourful, slightly smoky, and mildly spicy profile due to the roasted peppers and fresh chili. It can be used in various ways: - **Pasta Sauce:** As you mentioned, it can serve as a pasta sauce, bringing a rich and savory flavour to dishes like spaghetti or penne. - **Dipping Sauce:** It can be used as a dipping sauce for fritters, croquettes, or even as a dipping sauce for bread or pita chips. - **Condiment:** Use it as a condiment for sandwiches, wraps, or burgers to add a burst of flavour. - **Marinade:** Thin it out with a bit of olive oil and use it as a marinade for grilled vegetables, tofu, or chicken. - **Flavour Booster:** Add a spoonful to soups, stews, or chili for an extra layer of depth and smokiness.

Roasting the peppers and tomatoes is a great technique to enhance their natural flavours. What should one look for to ensure they are properly roasted?

Roasting peppers and tomatoes can elevate their flavours by caramelizing the natural sugars and imparting a smoky quality. Here's how to know they're properly roasted: - **Colour Change:** Look for a slightly charred and blistered skin on the peppers and a deepening of colour on the tomatoes. The peppers should have a roasted appearance, and the tomatoes should have some browning. - **Tender Texture:** When properly roasted, the peppers should be tender, and the tomatoes should be soft and juicy. - **Aroma:** Roasting will release a delightful aroma. You'll know they're done when your kitchen is filled with the enticing scent of roasted vegetables.

Are there any optional ingredients or seasonings that can be added to the sauce for extra depth or customization?

Absolutely! This recipe serves as a versatile base that can be tailored to your taste preferences: - **Herbs:** Consider adding fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or cilantro for a burst of freshness. - **Acid:** A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice can add brightness to the sauce. - **Spices:** If you want to enhance the heat or add complexity, spices like cumin, paprika, or smoked paprika can work well. - **Sweetness:** A touch of honey or maple syrup can balance the heat and acidity, especially if the sauce turns out too spicy or tangy.