Yummy Roasted Peppers

A wonderful friend, TM, created this dish combining simple ingredients into a delicious treat for the palate. It is versatile because it could be eaten as an appetizer,  first course, main dish or a side. It calls for one "secret" item, dried tomato bits, that she swears makes the difference and says, while the dish is good without it, it really does make a difference in the overall taste so try to find it (I will include website information at the end of the recipe).  Enjoy!


Yummy Roasted Peppers
1 each red, yellow, and orange bellpeppers
1/2 cup dried tomato bits (do not substitute sundried tomatoes-will change flavor of dish)
3-4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1-2 tsp red chili flakes
Olive oil

Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees; butter a large gratin or other baking dish.  

Cut bellpeppers in half removing the ribs and seeds then place cut side up in baking dish.  Put about 1 tsp of dried tomato bits in each half (the secret ingredient!)  Sprinkle the garlic over the peppers followed by the chopped olives, pine nuts, and chili flakes. Place cherry tomato halves, cut side down, on each bellpepper, completely covering the other ingredients; it is okay if they overlap a bit.  Drizzle liberally with olive oil.

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 60-90 minutes.  Uncover baking dish and bake another 20-30 minutes until the peppers are dark brown and caramelized (the pan will be messy-don't take it out too soon).

This dish may be served from piping hot to room temperature.  It is good with meat, poultry, fish/seafood, on bread, with cheese, pasta, crackers or whatever you like.  Makes a great vegetable side dish or a party appetizer.

NOTE...You can add more or less of any ingredient based on your preferences.  Be sure to use the dried tomato bits and bake until it is very brown and caramelized...this is key to the flavor.

*To find dried tomato bits, go to www.justtomatoes.com .  This product has a different taste from sundried tomatoes; substituting will change the flavor of the dish. I use these tomato bits in any dish that has tomatoes, any kind, in it such as marinara.  It enhances the tomato flavor and adds a richness to the sauce...a little goes a long way!