Recipe: Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Spread (dip served warm or cold)

TOMATO AND ROASTED RED PEPPER SPREAD

"This dip of roasted bell peppers and tomatoes is richly seasoned with paprika, cumin, garlic and red pepper."



"Serve as part of a selection of dips with pita chips and bread along with marinated olives."

1 pound green bell peppers
1 pound red bell peppers
1 pound plum tomatoes
1 tablespoon McCormick Paprika
1 teaspoon McCormick Sicilian Sea Salt
1/2 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cumin
1/2 teaspoon McCormick Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon McCormick Ground Red Pepper
1/4 teaspoon McCormick Crushed Red Pepper
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Pita or naan bread or crackers (for serving)

Place bell peppers on large baking sheet. Roast in preheated 350 degree F oven 30 to 40 minutes or until skins begin to blister, turning bell peppers after 20 minutes. Transfer bell peppers to large paper bag. Close bag. Let stand 15 minutes or until bell peppers are cool enough to handle. Peel off blistered skin. Remove tops, ribs and seeds. Coarsely chop bell peppers. Set aside.

Make an X in the bottom of each tomato. Place in saucepan of boiling water for 10 seconds. Transfer tomatoes with slotted spoon to bowl of ice water. Peel off skin then coarsely chop tomatoes.

Place bell peppers, tomatoes and seasonings in large skillet on medium-low heal. Cook 35 to 45 minutes or until vegetables are very soft, stirring frequently so mixture does not stick to bottom of pan. Stir in sugar and tomato paste; cook 15 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently. Stir in lemon juice.

Serve warm or at room temperature with pita or naan bread or crackers. Or refrigerate until chilled to serve cold.

Makes 2 cups or 16 servings (2 tablespoons each)

Nutrition Information Per Serving (2 tablespoons): 24 Calories, Fat 0g, Protein 1g, Carbohydrates 5g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 132mg, Fiber 1g

Source: McCormick