Bell peppers are roasted largely to remove the skins, which makes the vegetables supple and almost silky and perfect for marinating in a fragrant mix of oil, garlic, and basil. (This works for orange and yellow peppers, too, but not for green, because the skin is too thin.) Many recipes call for cutting the peppers into pieces lengthwise and roasting under the broiler, but it can be difficult to make the pieces flat enough to blacken evenly. It’s easier to roast them right on the stove, over a gas burner, turning with tongs as each side blackens. Serve the marinated pieces as part of an antipasto with bread, cheese, olives, and cured meats, or toss them into pastas or over a pizza.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6

　　2 red bell peppers

　　1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

　　3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

　　1 garlic clove, peeled and very thinly sliced lengthwise

　　Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

　　1 tablespoon chiffonade of basil (page 21)

　　

Step 1

Roast Place bell peppers directly over a gas flame and cook, turning with tongs, until charred all over.

　　

Step 2

Steam and peel Transfer to a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let stand until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes, then rub off skins with a paper towel. (Do not run peppers under water, or you will wash away the flavor.) Remove seeds and veins and discard.

　　

Step 3

Marinate Slice peppers into 1-inch-wide strips. Transfer to a bowl and toss with oil, vinegar, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, and toss with basil. Serve immediately, or refrigerate, covered, up to 3 days. If refrigerating, bring to room temperature and wait until just before serving to add basil.

　　Reprinted with permission from Martha Stewart's Cooking School: Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook by Martha Stewart. Copyright © 2008 by Martha Stewart. Published by Crown Publishing. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of bestselling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the Emmy-winning, daily national syndicated program, and founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, which publishes several magazines, including Martha Stewart Living; produces Martha Stewart Living Radio, channel 112 on SIRIUS Satellite Radio; and provides a wealth of ideas and information on www.marthastewart.com.