Fresno Red Pepper Paste – Armenian Pepper Paste
This vibrant scarlet red pepper paste instantaneously enhances the flavor and presentation of any dish. It works splendidly as a condiment or complement to a charcuterie and cheese board. It adds a delightful touch to burgers and pizza, and serves as a delectable grilling glaze. Try it as a flavorful sandwich spread, the range of possibilities is truly limitless!
Table of Contents
Chronicles – Fresno Peppers
Introduced in 1952, the Fresno Chili pepper is a jalapeño-style hot pepper renowned for its vibrant flavor and optimal freshness when consumed immediately. These cone-shaped fruits flourish during the summer season on resilient plants, offering a plentiful harvest. As they mature, these peppers, named after California’s city of Fresno, transform into stunning and vivid accents that enhance the visual appeal of any culinary creation.
Why should you make this red pepper tomato paste recipe?
This recipe calls out two primary ingredients: peppers and tomatoes. When it comes to peppers, you have the freedom to select any variety of red pepper. In my personal preference, I opt for Fresno peppers. They offer a moderate level of spiciness without overwhelming intensity, and when combined with tomatoes, they contribute to a milder overall flavor profile. The pleasant kick it delivers does not linger for too long.
Alternatively, you can utilize regular red bell peppers or even a combination of red chilies and bell peppers as a substitute. This flexible approach allows for customizing this paste to your own taste preferences.
Preparing the paste is both effortless and swift, and having it readily available can elevate your dinner preparations.
Grocery and Pantry List
Substitutions
Special Tools to Use
You don’t need all these tools. The food processor can do…
- Meat grinder
- Blender
- Food processor
Step-by-step: How to Make Red Pepper Paste
Preparing peppers
* For this step, it is recommended to wear rubber gloves.
Start by washing and drying the Fresno pepper. Remove the stem, seeds, and veins from the peppers. You can use either a meat grinder or a food processor to finely mince the peppers.
I personally like using the meat grinder which gives me the most uniform mincing of the peppers.
Preparing Tomatoes
If using a food mill, there’s no need to remove the skin. However, if you prefer to remove the skin, you can submerge the tomatoes in hot water. For detailed instructions on how to do this, click here.
Next, blend the tomatoes until they are smooth.
Transfer the blended tomatoes into a saucepan and cook until starting to boil.
Making the paste
Add the minced pepper to the boiling tomato mixture and stir well. Reduce the heat and continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Once the paste reaches the desired consistency, carefully pour into clean jars. Allow the jars to cool before storing them in the freezer or refrigerator for future use.
Tips and wisdom from Cafe Osharak
Storage Instructions and Freezing Suggestion
If you end up with a big batch you can pour the hot paste into canning jar and either preserve them (following the canning instruction’s hot water bath) or keep them in the refrigerator for 3 months.
Best Way to Serve Red Pepper Paste
More Recipes to Try From Cafe Osharak
If you try out this recipe, I would love to hear from you. Let me know if you find it delicious and straightforward to prepare. I am here to answer any questions and provide any suggestions. Also, be sure to explore other recipes from Cafe Osharak, as I’m sure you’ll love them too!
More plant homemade condoment recipes.
Ingredients
- Fresno peppers
- Fresh Tomatoes
- sea salt
Instructions
- * For this step, always wear rubber gloves. Start by washing and drying the Fresno pepper. Remove the stem, seeds, and veins from the peppers. You can use either a meat grinder or a food processor to finely mince the peppers.
- If using a food mill, there's no need to remove the skin. However, if you prefer to remove the skin, you can submerge the tomatoes in hot water.
- Next, blend the tomatoes until they are smooth.
- Transfer the blended tomatoes into a saucepan and cook until they start boiling.
- Add the minced pepper to the boiling tomato mixture and stir well. Reduce the heat and continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Once the paste reaches the desired consistency, carefully pour into clean jars. Allow the jars to cool before storing them in the freezer or refrigerator for future use.
