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Baked Peppers for a Summer Lunch

My version of classic Italian baked peppers, but without the anchovies and with a last-minute stirring in of basil. There are some gorgeous flavors here, especially when the tomato juices mingle with the basil oil.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    enough for 4

Ingredients

large peppers – 4
small or cherry tomatoes – 12 to 16
olive oil
basil leaves – a couple of handfuls

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the peppers in half lengthwise and discard the seeds and white core. Put the halved peppers, cut side up, in a roasting pan or baking dish. Cut the tomatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size, and season with salt and black pepper. Divide between the peppers. Pour a little olive oil into each pepper and bake until the tomatoes and peppers are lusciously soft, about forty-five minutes to an hour.

    Step 2

    Blitz the basil leaves and about 1/3 cup (70ml) olive oil in a blender (sometimes I use a pestle and mortar), then pour into the peppers. The basil dressing will mingle with the warm tomato juices.

Tender
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