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Tag: spicy food

  • The Best Classic Belgian Peppercorn Sauce

    The Best Classic Belgian Peppercorn Sauce

    The classic Belgian peppercorn sauce, or peperroomsaus, is a staple in Belgian cuisine. Its rich, velvety texture and bold pepper flavor make it the perfect pairing for steak. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a special weeknight meal, this sauce adds a touch of luxury to any steak dish. Follow this quick and easy recipe to bring a taste of Belgium to your kitchen!

    A Belgian Classic

    In Belgium, steak frites (steak with fries) is an iconic dish, and no steak is complete without a creamy peppercorn sauce. Traditionally made with fresh cream and crushed peppercorns, this sauce strikes the perfect balance between creaminess and spice. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves simple yet refined flavors.

    🌶️ Fun Fact

    Black pepper is the most traded spice in the world!

    Classic belgian peppercorn sauce over steak, served with fries and salad
    Photo by knorr.com

    Ingredients

    To make this classic Belgian peppercorn sauce, you’ll need:

    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon crushed black peppercorns (adjust to taste)
    • 100 ml beef stock
    • 150 ml heavy cream
    • Salt to taste
    • Optional: a splash of cognac or brandy for added depth

    Step 1: Sauté the shallots

    • Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
    • Add the finely chopped shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.

    Step 2: Add the peppercorns

    • Stir in the crushed black peppercorns and let them toast for about 30 seconds. This releases their aroma and spice.

    Step 3: Deglaze the pan

    • Pour in the beef stock and stir well, scraping up any bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
    • Optional: Add a splash of cognac or brandy and let the alcohol cook off for extra richness.

    Step 4: Finish with cream

    • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-6 minutes until it thickens.
    • Season with a pinch of salt to taste.

    Step 5: Serve

    • Serve this creamy sauce with a grilled ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin steak and pair with fries or roasted potatoes.

    Need a visual guide?

    Check out this amazing video!

    Wine pairing suggestions

    These three wines would pair beautifully with steak topped with peperroomsaus. Each wine is selected for its ability to complement the creamy texture and peppery spice of the sauce while enhancing the richness of the steak.

    1. Château Moulin-à-Vent, Bordeaux Blend (France)

    A classic red Bordeaux, Château Moulin-à-Vent offers a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and hints of cedar. Its medium to full body and structured tannins pair wonderfully with the marbled richness of steak, while its subtle spice and earthiness harmonize with the peppercorn notes in the sauce. The wine’s acidity also cuts through the creaminess, creating a balanced and elegant pairing.

    2. Penfolds Bin 389, Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz Blend (Australia)

    This robust Australian blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, known as the “Baby Grange,” offers intense flavors of dark berries, chocolate, and black pepper. The Shiraz contributes a spicy edge that complements the boldness of the peperroomsaus, while the Cabernet provides a firm structure that stands up to the hearty steak. Its smooth tannins and touch of oak enhance the luxurious mouthfeel of the dish.

    3. Côte de Nuits-Villages, Pinot Noir (France)

    For a lighter yet equally delightful option, a Pinot Noir from Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits is an excellent choice. With bright red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry, delicate floral notes, and a silky texture, this wine complements the creamy sauce without overpowering it. Its mild tannins and earthy undertones add complexity, making it a refined pairing for steak and peperroomsaus.

    Enhance your dinner with the perfect wine pairing

    Complete your dinner experience with a handpicked wine selection. Explore red wines that pair perfectly with this classic Belgian dish.

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    Disclaimer: The exact recipe provided here is not copied verbatim from any single source but is a reconstruction of a classic preparation designed to be easy for home cooks.

    Elise Pacchiotti

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  • The 5 Most Popular Peppers and How to Use Them in the Kitchen

    The 5 Most Popular Peppers and How to Use Them in the Kitchen

    Peppers are one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. From sweet to spicy, they bring flavor, color, and depth to countless dishes. Whether you’re looking for mild bell peppers or fiery chili peppers, this guide will introduce you to the 5 most popular peppers and how to use them effectively in your cooking.

    green, yellow and red bell peppers
    Photo by azerbaijan_stockers on Freepik

    Bell peppers are the most commonly used peppers in kitchens worldwide, prized for their sweet and mild flavor. Available in a rainbow of colors—green, red, yellow, and orange—these peppers are both visually appealing and nutritionally rich, packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Bell peppers are incredibly versatile and can be eaten raw in salads, roasted to bring out their natural sweetness, or stuffed with a savory filling for a hearty meal. Their mild flavor makes them a perfect addition to stir-fries, soups, and even salsas.

    Bell pepper recipes

    Black Peppercorns: A Kitchen Essential

    black peppercorns
    Photo by azerbaijan_stockers on Freepik

    Although technically a spice rather than a vegetable, black peppercorns deserve a place on this list due to their ubiquity and importance in seasoning. Derived from the dried berries of the Piper nigrum plant, black peppercorns are celebrated for their sharp, spicy, and aromatic flavor, which adds depth and complexity to both simple and sophisticated dishes.

    Beyond savory applications, black peppercorns also shine in unexpected ways, such as in desserts like spiced chocolate truffles or fruit salads, where they add a surprising layer of warmth. Its role as a universal seasoning is so essential that it is often paired with salt as a tabletop staple, found in kitchens and dining rooms worldwide.

    Black pepper recipes

    Chili Peppers: Heat and Boldness

    Red chili peppers
    Photo by Arina Krasnikova on Pexels

    Chili peppers bring spice and boldness to any dish, making them a favorite for those who enjoy heat in their cooking. Varieties like jalapeños, habaneros, and bird’s eye chilies vary in intensity, allowing cooks to customize the spice level to their taste. Chili peppers are often used in salsas, curries, stews, and hot sauces to create complex layers of flavor. To moderate their heat, you can remove the seeds and inner membranes before cooking. On the other hand, leaving the seeds intact will amplify their fiery punch.

    Chili pepper recipes:

    Cayenne Pepper: Spicy and Versatile

    dried cayenne pepper flakes in a bowl with fresh cayenne
    Photo by Jana Ohajdova on Pexels

    Cayenne pepper, whether used fresh or dried and ground into powder, is a staple in kitchens worldwide. It adds a spicy, earthy heat to dishes without overpowering other flavors. Cayenne is commonly used in soups, sauces, marinades, and spice rubs for meats. A pinch of cayenne in your dish can make a world of difference, giving it a warm, spicy undertone. When cooking with cayenne pepper, it’s important to start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as its heat can build quickly. I like to add some to my mashed potatoes, it gives it an extra oompf.

    Cayenne pepper recipes

    Paprika Pepper: Sweet, Smoky, or Hot

    paprika powder with a fresh paprika pepper on top of it
    Photo by Karolina Grabowski on Pexels

    Paprika peppers are widely used in their dried and powdered form, offering sweet, smoky, or hot varieties to suit different culinary needs. Sweet paprika adds a mild, slightly fruity flavor, while smoked paprika lends a deep, earthy smokiness to dishes. For those seeking heat, hot paprika provides a gentle kick. Paprika is a key ingredient in dishes like Hungarian goulash, deviled eggs, and barbecue spice rubs. To maximize its flavor, add paprika early in the cooking process, allowing its flavors to bloom in the heat.

    🌶️ Fun Fact

    Paprika is made from dried and ground red peppers! Its flavor depends on the variety of peppers used.

    Paprika pepper recipes

    green, yellow, orange and red chili peppers; 1 of the 5 most popular peppers
    Photo by José Barbosa on Pexels

    Elise Pacchiotti

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  • Eating peppers: 7 reasons Why People Love it

    eating peppers

    Eating peppers offers a unique combination of flavor, texture, and heat. Whether sweet, mild, or fiery hot, peppers are a beloved ingredient in countless dishes across cultures. But what is it about peppers that makes them so irresistible?

    Let’s explore the reasons why people enjoy eating peppers and how they’ve become a culinary staple in cozy kitchens around the globe.

    1. A Burst of Flavor

    Peppers are incredibly versatile, offering a wide range of flavors. Sweet bell peppers bring a crisp, fruity sweetness to salads, stir-fries, and stuffed dishes. On the other end of the spectrum, chili peppers add bold, smoky, or tangy notes to recipes, depending on the variety and preparation.

    This versatility allows peppers to fit into virtually any cuisine, from spicy Thai curries to mild Italian pasta sauces. Their ability to elevate dishes with their unique flavors is a big reason people love eating peppers.

    2. The Thrill of Heat

    For many, the heat from eating peppers is an addictive experience. Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spiciness, triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. This creates a sensation of euphoria, making spicy food a pleasurable challenge for chili enthusiasts.

    Peppers like jalapeños, habaneros, and Carolina Reapers attract adventurous eaters who enjoy pushing their limits while savoring intense flavors.

    3. Health Benefits

    Peppers are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and capsaicin, which has been linked to numerous health benefits, including:

    • Boosting metabolism.
    • Reducing inflammation.
    • Supporting heart health.

    For health-conscious individuals, eating peppers is a guilt-free way to enhance yummy meals while reaping nutritional rewards.

    4. Cultural Significance

    Peppers play a central role in many cultural cuisines. From Mexico’s smoky chipotle peppers to India’s fiery bhut jolokia, peppers have deep cultural roots and are often seen as a symbol of regional identity.

    Eating peppers in dishes like Korean gochujang, Italian peperonata, or Moroccan harissa offers people a way to connect with diverse culinary traditions, sparking curiosity and also appreciation for global flavors.

    5. Visual Appeal

    Peppers are just as beautiful as they are tasty. Their vibrant colors—that range from green and yellow to red, orange, and even purple—make them a feast for the eyes. Dishes featuring peppers are naturally more appealing, as their bright hues add a pop of color to any plate.

    For food enthusiasts, the aesthetic value of eating peppers is an added bonus that makes them a joy to cook with and eat.

    6. Versatility in Cooking

    Peppers can be enjoyed raw, roasted, grilled, fried, or pickled, making them a versatile ingredient for countless recipes. Their adaptability allows people to experiment with flavors and textures, creating unique dishes that cater to personal preferences.

    From crunchy bell pepper slices in a fresh salad to smoky roasted peppers blended into dips, the possibilities of eating peppers are endless.

    7. The Social Connection

    Eating spicy food, especially with peppers, often becomes a shared experience. Spicy food challenges, eating peppers, or simply sharing a meal featuring peppers can be a fun and bonding activity.

    This social aspect adds an extra layer of nice enjoyment for many people, making peppers not just an ingredient but a conversation starter.

    Conclusion

    People love eating peppers for their incredible variety of flavors, health benefits, and cultural significance. Whether it’s the sweetness of a bell pepper or the fiery heat of a chili, peppers bring excitement and depth to any dish.

    Next time you enjoy a meal with peppers, take a moment to appreciate their vibrant flavors and the joy they bring to your plate—and your palate!

    Jelien Moens