grilled bell peppers with mushrooms recipe

Grilled bell peppers: A sweet and smoky treat

For over five years, we’ve been sharing our love for grilling with you, exploring everything from charred asparagus to smoky aubergine recipes. Along the way, we’ve built up a pretty comprehensive list of our favourite grilled vegetables. But there’s one veggie we’ve somehow overlooked—until now. Grilled bell peppers, with their natural sweetness and vibrant colour, deserve a spot in every grilling lineup. Whether skewering them with other vegetables, grilling them whole, or adding them to a veggie medley, bell peppers bring a smoky, juicy goodness to the grill you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of grilled bell peppers and discover why they’re a must-try this grilling season!

Grilled bell peppers are one of the simplest yet most flavourful vegetables you can cook on the grill. Their natural sweetness intensifies when exposed to the heat, creating a smoky and delicious side dish or topping for all your meals.

Why grilled bell peppers are amazing

If you still need a reason to try them, you should know bell peppers, especially when grilled, transform into a sweet, tender delight. The grill imparts a subtle smoky flavour, enhancing the pepper’s natural sugars, which gives them a mouthwatering sweetness. The heat softens their flesh, making them juicy and easy to bite. Grilling also adds a beautiful char on the outside, giving the peppers a satisfying texture that contrasts perfectly with their soft interior.

How to grill bell peppers

There are a few ways to grill bell peppers, but no matter the method, you’ll end up with a smoky, sweet flavour that is irresistible. Here’s a simple guide to help you get the most out of your grilled peppers:

1. Whole bell peppers on the grill

Grilling whole bell peppers is an easy way to bring out their natural sweetness and smoky flavour. Here’s how:

  • Prep the peppers: Wash them and cut off the stems, leaving them whole. You can remove the seeds after grilling or leave them intact for a more rustic feel.
  • Grill them: Place the whole peppers directly on the grill over medium heat. Grill for about 20–30 minutes, turning them every 5–7 minutes to ensure they get evenly charred on all sides.
  • Steam them (Optional): Once the peppers are nicely charred, transfer them to a bowl and cover with a towel or plastic wrap to steam for 5–10 minutes. This will help loosen the skin, making it easier to peel away if you prefer a smoother texture. The steam also softens the pepper, enhancing its flavour.
  • Peel (Optional): You can peel off the charred skin after steaming. Some prefer the smoky skin as it adds depth to the flavour, while others prefer a smoother texture.
Whole bell peppers on the grill
Whole bell peppers on the grill are one of the best ways to eat this veggie

2. Grilling bell peppers on skewers

Grilling bell peppers on skewers is a fun way to cook them, and it allows them to be combined with other vegetables or meats for a colourful, customizable dish. It’s also an excellent appetizer for your vegetarian friend. Here’s how to do it:

  • Cut the peppers: Slice the bell peppers into chunks, discarding the seeds and ribs. Try to keep the pieces roughly the same size for even cooking.
  • Skewer them: Thread the pepper chunks onto metal or wooden skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
  • Grill: Place the skewers on the grill over medium heat. Cook the peppers for about 8–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have a nice char.

Grilled bell peppers on skewers are a great way to combine them with other vegetables like onions, zucchini, or mushrooms, or even meats like chicken or shrimp. The skewers make for a beautiful and colourful presentation that’s perfect for summer barbecues.

3. Grilled bell peppers in a grill basket

A grill basket is another great way to cook bell peppers on the grill, especially if you prefer to chop them into smaller pieces without worrying about them falling through the grill grates. The process is simple:

  • Prep the peppers: Cut the peppers into slices or chunks. You can mix bell peppers of different colours for a visually stunning result.
  • Grill: Toss the pepper pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing them in a grill basket. Grill over medium heat for about 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure the peppers cook evenly and get a nice char.

Grilled bell pepper and mushroom skewer recipe

Here’s a colourful recipe combining bell peppers, portobello mushrooms, and other grilled vegetables to take your grilling to the next level. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a vibrant side dish at your next barbecue.

Ingredients you need:

  • 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 2 large portobello mushrooms
  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 small red onion
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Slice the bell peppers, portobello mushrooms, zucchini, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Keep the mushroom caps whole or slice them into large chunks for easy grilling.
  2. Marinate: In a large bowl, drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly. Let them marinate for about 10–15 minutes.
  3. Assemble the skewers: Thread the bell peppers, portobello mushrooms, zucchini, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating the vegetables to create a colourful pattern.
  4. Grill the skewers: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
  5. Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve alongside grilled meats, or enjoy them with quinoa or rice.

The versatile veggie

Grilled bell peppers are a versatile and healthy addition to any meal. Whether grilling them on skewers, whole, or in a basket, their sweetness and smoky flavour will elevate your dish. Combine them with mushrooms, zucchini, onions, and other grilled vegetables for a colourful, flavorful feast. And don’t forget to experiment with different types of bell peppers — red, yellow, orange, and green — for a full spectrum of flavour and colour. Happy grilling in Portugal or everywhere!

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