Vegetable | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Peppers

Capsicum annuum Allergen-Free
peppers

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Solanaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Late Spring to Early Fall
  • Source Pepper Plant

The Forktionary Angle

"Unlocking the heat and flavor spectrum of peppers to elevate any dish."

Definition

The fruit of the Capsicum plant, used as a vegetable or spice, ranging from mild bell peppers to fiery chili peppers.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Pungent, Spicy (depending on variety)
TextureCrisp, Juicy, Fleshy
AromaEarthy, Fresh, Vegetal
AcidityLow-Med

Technical Metrics

Culinary Versatility

Used raw, roasted, stuffed, dried, or powdered.

Scoville Scale Use

Measures the pungency (heat) of chili peppers.

Vitamin C Content

Bell peppers contain more Vitamin C than oranges.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 medium (164g)
Calories31 kcal
Total Fat0.3 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1 g
Total Carbohydrate6 g
Dietary Fiber2.1 g
Total Sugars4.2 g
Calcium10 mg
Iron0.4 mg
Potassium211 mg

Chef’s Secret

To easily peel roasted peppers, place them hot into a paper bag or covered bowl for 10-15 minutes to steam.

Substitutions

Best Match

Zucchini

1:1

Similar texture and moisture for cooked dishes, less flavor.

Onion (cooked)

1:1

Adds sweetness and aromatic base, different texture.

Celery

1:1

Provides crunch and freshness, milder flavor.

Carrot

1:1

Adds sweetness and crunch, different color profile.

Buying Guide

Look for firm, brightly colored peppers with smooth, unblemished skin. Store in the refrigerator.

Flavor Pairings

Onions Tomatoes Garlic Cheese Beef Chicken

Recipes Using Peppers

Taste Mood Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Twisted American Chop Suey

This comforting family favorite, nicknamed "Johnny Mazetti," is a twist on classic American Chop Suey. Skip the mushrooms and enjoy a hearty, cheesy casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner. Served with crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal! This recipe is quick and easy to make.

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Ground Beef Main Dish Meat 3 Steps Or Less

2 Layer Baked Ziti

Experience a taste of pure comfort with this 2-Layer Baked Ziti! This family-favorite recipe features a creamy Alfredo sauce layered with tender ziti noodles, topped with a hearty meat sauce and melted mozzarella. Double the deliciousness in every bite! This recipe makes a 9x13 inch casserole, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).

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Dietary Main Dish Easy Preparation

2Bleu's Bacon Cheeseburger Roll Up

Elevate your next party with these irresistible 2Bleu S Bacon Cheeseburger Roll-Ups! This recipe offers endless customizable options, from classic cheeseburger to gourmet reuben and even sweet fruit roll-ups. Imagine the possibilities: savory bacon and cheese, tangy reuben with sauerkraut and Swiss, or a delightful cream cheese and fruit dessert. These fun and flavorful appetizers are easy to assemble and bake to golden perfection, guaranteed to impress your guests. Get creative and make your own unique roll-ups!

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Time To Make Side Dishes Easy 60 Minutes Or Less

Aunt Bev's Hominy

Elevate your chili game with Aunt Bev's secret recipe! This creamy, cheesy hominy bake is the perfect topping for a hearty bowl of chili. Simple to make and bursting with flavor, it's a crowd-pleaser you won't want to miss. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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High Calcium Elbow Macaroni American Low In Something

Aunt Darlene's Macaroni Cheese

Prepare for a macaroni and cheese experience unlike any other! This recipe, Aunt Darlene's Legendary Macaroni and Cheese, is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to disappear at any potluck. Creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, it's the perfect comfort food that elevates macaroni and cheese to a whole new level. Your kids will adore it, and you'll be the star of every gathering. Get ready to make the best mac and cheese of your life!

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Main Dish Number Of Servings Time To Make Course

Aussie Burgers

Forget everything you think you know about burgers! This recipe puts an Aussie twist on a classic, creating a hearty and flavour-packed hamburger experience. Juicy patties, fresh toppings, and a delicious kaiser roll combine for a truly unforgettable bite. Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ!

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4 Hours Or Less Preparation Main Dish Time To Make

Aussie Meat Pie

Craveable Aussie Meat Pies, straight from the Pampas Pastry website! This recipe is a guaranteed winner – easy to follow, incredibly delicious, and visually stunning. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish. These pies freeze beautifully – prep them ahead, freeze until needed, and bake from frozen for ultimate convenience. Elevate your Aussie Meat Pie experience with a glass of Coonawarra red! Inspired by Perfect Pixie's ingenious suggestion, add shredded cheese to the mince for a delightful cheese and mince variation.

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American North American Tex Mex Easy

Authentic Tex Mexican Enchiladas

Craveable San Antonio-style Tex-Mex Enchiladas! This authentic recipe delivers rich, flavorful enchiladas with a generous 3-quart enchilada gravy – enough for the recipe and leftovers to freeze! Skip the complicated steps – this surprisingly easy recipe lets you simmer two pots while assembling the enchiladas. Use our homemade gravy or opt for store-bought enchilada sauce for a quick weeknight meal. This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals, easily frozen assembled and reheated later. Get ready for a taste of Texas!

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Preparation Equipment Course Occasion

Autumn Chicken With Harvest Vegetables

Cozy up to the delicious flavors of fall with this Autumn Chicken with Harvest Vegetables recipe! Imagine: crisp autumn air, vibrant leaves crunching underfoot, and the irresistible aroma of roasted chicken and fresh-from-the-garden vegetables filling your kitchen. This winning (2008 Craze-e Crockpot Cooking Contest!) recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and delivers a heartwarming meal that's perfect for chilly evenings. Tender chicken, seasonal vegetables, and fragrant thyme combine for a dish that will nourish your soul and leave you feeling wonderfully satisfied. Get ready for a taste of autumn you won't forget!

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Greek Time To Make Eggs Dietary

Avga Gemista Or Greek Stuffed Eggs

Experience a taste of Greece with this vibrant Avga Gemista recipe! These delightful stuffed eggs are a surprisingly easy appetizer or light meal, perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner. This recipe elevates the classic stuffed egg with bright flavors and a touch of elegance. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

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Soups Stews Course Preparation Time To Make

Avgolemono Soup Greek Egg Lemon Soup

Experience the sunshine of Greece with this vibrant Avgolemono soup! A classic Greek recipe, this creamy, lemony soup is surprisingly easy to make and bursting with fresh, bright flavors. Perfect for a light lunch, comforting dinner, or a special occasion, our Avgolemono recipe delivers a taste of the Mediterranean in every spoonful. Learn how to make this traditional Greek egg lemon soup today!

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Main Ingredient Fruit Salads 15 Minutes Or Less

Avocado And Apple Salad

This vibrant and refreshing Avocado and Apple Salad is a delightful mix of creamy avocado, crisp apple, and a zesty lemon-mustard dressing. Served on a bed of spinach for extra nutrients, it's the perfect light lunch, side dish, or healthy appetizer. Easy to make in just 5 minutes!

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30 Minutes Or Less Tropical Fruit Fruit Caribbean

Avocado And Pineapple Salad Ensalada De Aguacate Y Pina

Escape to the vibrant flavors of Cuba with this refreshing Avocado and Pineapple Salad! This Miami-inspired recipe from three culinary maestros delivers a delightful blend of sweet pineapple, creamy avocado, and a tangy, zesty dressing. The secret? High-quality extra virgin olive oil and a touch of salt and pepper to elevate the dressing. Prepare to be amazed by the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory in every bite!

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Southwestern United States Free Of Something Egg Free Easy

Avocado Summer Salad

Beat the heat with this vibrant and refreshing Avocado Summer Salad! Ready in just 10 minutes, this simple recipe combines creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette for a light and delicious summer meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy side dish.

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North American Cuisine Picnic Wings

Awesome Chicken Wings

Get ready to experience the ultimate flavor explosion! These chicken wings, dubbed "Awesome" by a panel of discerning teenage taste testers, are crispy, juicy, and bursting with mouthwatering flavor. Perfect for game day, parties, or a family dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers unbelievably delicious results. Prepare for wing-eating nirvana!

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Equipment One Dish Meal Main Dish Course

Awesome Easy Chicken Pot Pie

This ridiculously easy chicken pot pie recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Made with simple ingredients and ready in under an hour, it's comfort food perfection. My husband raved about it, and it's even better the next day! Get ready for tender chicken, flaky crust, and creamy veggies in every bite. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

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Low Sodium Low In Something Main Ingredient 15 Minutes Or Less

Baby Carrots With Lemon And Parsley

Brighten your meal with this incredibly quick and easy recipe for baby carrots! The sweetness of the carrots is perfectly balanced by the tartness of fresh lemon juice and the vibrant freshness of parsley. A simple, elegant side dish ready in just 15 minutes – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is inspired by a ‘recipe of the day’ and elevated for your culinary enjoyment!

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Main Ingredient Vegetables Canadian Taste Mood

Kathy's Scalloped Potatoes With Ham

Transform leftover ham into a comforting and flavorful scalloped potato casserole! This recipe is easy to customize to your oven temperature and is perfect for make-ahead meal prepping. The creamy sauce, infused with thyme, perfectly complements the tender potatoes and savory ham. Looking for a make-ahead option? Simply parboil the potatoes before assembling, then freeze for later baking! Enjoy this delicious side dish or light meal any day of the week.

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