Close-up of red pepper on white background

Corno di Toro peppers, also known as bull’s horn peppers, are a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. These sweet and flavorful peppers come in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange, adding both color and taste to a variety of dishes. In this article, we will delve into some delicious recipes featuring Corno di Toro peppers that you can easily recreate at home. From classic dishes like Ratatouille to creative recipes like Sweet Pepper and Goat Cheese Rolls, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Ratatouille

Ratatouille

Ingredients:

  • 1 Corno di Toro pepper
  • 1 eggplant
  • 1 summer squash
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and basil)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Chop the Corno di Toro pepper, eggplant, summer squash, onion, and garlic into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a baking dish, combine the chopped vegetables with the diced tomatoes and fresh herbs.
  4. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Serve the Ratatouille hot, garnished with extra herbs if desired.

Quick & Easy Julienned Zucchini and Yellow Squash with Thyme

Ingredients:

  • 2 zucchinis
  • 2 yellow squashes
  • Fresh thyme leaves
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Using a julienne peeler, shred the zucchinis and yellow squashes into long, thin strips.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the julienned vegetables to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender.
  4. Season with fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
  5. Serve the julienned zucchini and yellow squash hot as a healthy and delicious side dish.

Fresh Hot Peppers

When it comes to cooking with hot peppers like Corno di Toro peppers, it’s essential to know how to handle their heat. Here is a guide to help you navigate the world of fresh hot peppers:

Pepper VarietyScoville Heat UnitsFlavor Profile
Corno di Toro0-2,500 SHUSweet and fruity
Habanero100,000-350,000 SHUFruity and floral
Jalapeño2,500-8,000 SHUMild and earthy
Ghost Pepper1,000,000+ SHUIntensely spicy

Fresh Sweet Peppers

Sweet peppers like Corno di Toro peppers add a pop of color and sweetness to dishes. Here are some common varieties of fresh sweet peppers:

  • Bell Pepper: Large, blocky shape with a mild flavor.
  • Cubanelle Pepper: Long and slender with a slightly sweet taste.
  • Pimiento Pepper: Heart-shaped and sweet, often used for stuffing.
  • Banana Pepper: Mild and tangy, great for pickling.

Tomato “Jam”

Pepper Tomato Jam

Ingredients:

  • 2 Corno di Toro peppers
  • 1 onion
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Roast the Corno di Toro peppers under the broiler until charred, then peel and chop them.
  2. In a saucepan, sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
  3. Add the roasted peppers, chopped tomatoes, sugar, and vinegar to the saucepan.
  4. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a jam-like consistency.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, then let the pepper tomato “jam” cool before serving.

Sweet Pepper and Goat Cheese Rolls

Ingredients:

  • 4 Corno di Toro peppers (assorted colors)
  • Goat cheese
  • Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives)
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic glaze

Instructions:

  1. Slice the Corno di Toro peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds.
  2. Fill each pepper half with goat cheese and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
  3. Roll up the pepper halves and secure with toothpicks.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze before serving these flavorful and colorful rolls.

Roasted Sweet Peppers

Ingredients:

  • 6 Corno di Toro peppers
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the broiler in your oven.
  2. Place the whole peppers on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
  3. Broil the peppers, turning occasionally, until the skins are charred and blistered.
  4. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool before peeling off the skins.
  5. Slice the roasted peppers into strips and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Enjoy the sweet and tender roasted peppers as a side dish or topping for salads and sandwiches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Corno di Toro peppers are a versatile ingredient that can elevate your culinary creations with their vibrant colors and sweet flavor. Whether you’re making a classic Ratatouille, experimenting with a pepper tomato “jam,” or rolling up sweet peppers with goat cheese, there are endless possibilities for incorporating Corno di Toro peppers into your cooking. Additionally, consider infusing your dishes with a hint of fennel frond tea for a refreshing herbal note that complements the peppers’ sweetness. So next time you’re at the market, pick up some of these beautiful peppers and get creative in the kitchen!