Silky Red Pepper Cold Appetizer: A Delightful Start to Any Meal

Imagine savoring the sweetness of red peppers in a fresh and surprising appetizer. Let me introduce you to a dish that will tantalize your taste buds: a cold appetizer, perfect for kicking off a dinner party with friends or a special evening. This delight stands out for its velvety texture and rich flavor, with a gourmet touch that never goes unnoticed.

I still remember when my grandmother used to prepare this dish on warm summer evenings; it was her way of welcoming guests, giving them an unforgettable culinary experience from the first bite. Now it’s time to bring this tradition to your kitchen.

The balance between the creaminess of the cream and the intensity of the vinegar, combined with the softness of the carefully cooked peppers, creates a pleasant contrast on the palate. And if you want to add an original twist, try incorporating grated organic lemon zest before mixing in the whipped cream: it will be like feeling a citrus breeze that enlivens the traditional flavors.

Get ready to amaze your guests with this cold flan, a simple yet refined recipe where every bite speaks of the passion and love for authentic gourmet Italian cuisine.

Recipe Notes

• EASE: This recipe is a breeze to whip up.
• PROS: A gourmet appetizer with a unique twist.
• CONS: Requires chilling time in the fridge.
• PREPARATION: Sauté, blend, whip, chill, and serve.
• NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 300 calories per serving.

Ingredients Notes for the Recipe

• Red Bell Peppers: rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
• Heavy Cream: adds creaminess to the flan
• White Wine Vinegar: adds a tangy touch to the cream
• Gelatin: for the consistency of the flan
• Medium Onion: adds sweet and aromatic flavor
• Olive Oil and Butter: for sautéing and greasing the mold
• Salt and Pepper: to adjust the taste of the pepper cream

Nutritional Aspects

This chilled red pepper flan is a light and nutritious appetizer that combines the sweet taste of peppers with the creaminess of cream, perfect for starting a meal with flavor without feeling too heavy.

• More than 1 portion of vegetables per serving, thanks to the 700g of red peppers.
• A source of vitamin C and antioxidants from the red peppers, perfect for well-being.
• Moderate calorie content, about 300 Kcal per serving, ideal for those following a balanced diet.
• Protein intake from the gelatin, useful for muscle structure.
• A recipe suitable for creamy food lovers who are mindful of their waistline, with the use of a controlled amount of cream.
• A touch of wine vinegar to aid digestion and add flavor without extra calories.
• Possibility to enhance the dish with organic lemon zest for a fresh and vitamin-rich note.

Recipe for Cold Red Pepper Flan

Creamy cold red pepper flan, a perfect Italian gourmet appetizer to start dinner. The peppers are cooked and blended with cream, vinegar, and gelatin, then chilled until set. Serve with a fresh tomato salsa. Add grated lemon zest for a fresh twist.

Servings 4

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 700 g Bell Peppers Red
• 250 ml Cream
• 100 ml Vinegar Wine
• 4 Gelatin Sheets
• 1 Onion Medium
• Olive Oil as needed
• Butter as needed
• Salt as needed
• Pepper as needed

Instructions

• Start by sautéing the chopped onion in a pan with a mix of olive oil and butter until it becomes translucent and soft.
• Add the chopped red peppers and cook for about 15 minutes, until they are tender but still vibrant in color.
• Let the cooked red peppers cool to room temperature.
• Meanwhile, soften the gelatin sheets in hot water for a few minutes until they become flexible.
• Puree the red peppers in a blender until smooth and homogeneous.
• Dissolve the squeezed gelatin in a bit of the warm liquid from the pureed peppers to incorporate it without lumps.
• Whip the cream until firm but still soft, and gently fold it into the red pepper mixture along with the vinegar previously reduced over heat, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Carefully mix to maintain a soft and homogeneous consistency of the mixture.
• Pour the flan into a mold lightly greased with olive oil and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, until it has set completely.
• At serving time, unmold the flan and slice it thinly, accompanying it with a fresh sauce prepared with diced tomatoes seasoned with oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Notes

To add an original touch to the traditional recipe of chilled red pepper flan, I suggest adding a citrus note; you can add the grated zest of an organic lemon to the pepper cream before adding the whipped cream. This will give the dish a surprising freshness that will balance the sweetness of the red peppers.

Author: Tips4Food

Calories: 300kcal

Course: Appetizer

Keyword: butter, Cold Red Pepper Flan Recipe, Cream, Fresh Sauce, Gelatin Sheets, Gourmet Appetizer, lemon, Olive Oil, onion, pepper, Red Peppers, Salt, Wine Vinegar

Variations of Chilled Red Pepper Flan Recipe

Add a spicy kick by incorporating finely chopped red chili into the red pepper cream.

• Try swapping the cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• For a Mediterranean twist, finely chop black olives and add them to the red pepper cream.
• Serve the flan with toasted bread crostini and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Recipe

If you have any doubts about making the Chilled Red Pepper Flan, you’ll find answers to the most common questions here.

How can I make the flan lighter?

To make the flan lighter, you can use low-fat cream and reduce the amount of olive oil in the mixture.

Can I substitute the fish glue with another gelatin?

Yes, you can substitute the fish glue with sheet or powdered gelatin, following the recommended amounts to achieve the same gelling effect.

How can I store any leftover flan?

You can store any leftover flan covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2-3 days. Make sure to consume it within this period to ensure its freshness.