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Sweet and Smoky Shishito Peppers

With all the holiday functions and parties that happen during this time of year, I wanted to create a quick and simple appetizer that would be great for entertaining, parties, or as a way to kick off an intimate date night at home. While out shopping I came across some awesome looking shishito peppers and knew they would be perfect to use. Most times the peppers are paired with a dipping sauce but I wanted to wrap the peppers is a sweet and sticky sauce making them easier to prepare and eat.

In a recent shipment from Cultivar Wines, I received a 2014 Cultivar Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc that I thought would pair nicely with this dish.

Sweet Smoky Shishito Peppers

Andrea’s Sweet and Smoky Shishito Peppers

  • 6oz Shishito Peppers
  • 1/2TBSP Light Olive Oil
  • Juice of 1 Large Lime
  • 2 Cloves of Garlic (Either use a garlic press or finely chop them)
  • 1 TBSP Honey
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • Pinch of Salt (no more than 1/4 tsp)

In a bowl, combine the lime juice, garlic, honey, paprika, and salt, whisk until everything is combined and set aside. In a medium sized skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium to medium high heat for about 2 minutes (do not let the oil smoke), then add in the peppers in a single layer.  Cook peppers on each side for about 3 minutes until they blister and start to soften.  Reduce heat to medium and add in the sauce, stir and make sure all the peppers are covered.  Continue to gently stir and cook the sauce for about two minutes.  The sauce should cook down and start to coat the peppers.  Allow to cool for one minute and give another stir before plating.

Plate and serve!

 

Sweet Smoky Shishito Peppers

These peppers are great hot right out of the pan but can also be served at room temperature, making them perfect for entertaining and parties.

Having the sauce on the peppers means there’s less to handle and turns them into a fabulous finger food appetizer, just right for mingling and eating while standing.

You can make the sauce ahead of time making the cooking time on these even quicker.  I would recommend making a double batch because these will go quick!

These peppers and the 2014 Cultivar Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc really worked well together.  The crisp citrus notes of the wine balances out the smoky sweet sauce while the oaky herby notes compliments the earthy pepper flavor.

Have fun, and remember, always play with your food.  Enjoy!

Disclosure: I’m required to disclose a sponsored partnership between our site, Food Embrace, and Cultivar Wine. I have been compensated in exchange for this post in the form of product. All opinions presented are my own. I receive wine from Cultivar Wine as a member of the Cultivar Wine Bloggers group.

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