Welcome to a simple yet tantalizing journey of flavors. This recipe combines the smoky sweetness of roasted peppers, the gentle tang of mozzarella, and the salty punch of anchovies. It's an Italian delight known as involtini, which means 'little bundles'. This dish is perfect for a tapas-style dinner or when you're looking for a light and refreshing appetizer.
While most of the ingredients for this dish are commonly found in home kitchens, you may need to look for buffalo mozzarella and flat anchovies. Buffalo mozzarella is a type of mozzarella made from the milk of the domestic Italian water buffalo. It is known for its creamy, soft texture and rich flavor. Flat anchovies, on the other hand, are a type of small fish known for their intense, salty flavor. They are usually sold in cans and are sometimes packed in oil.
Ingredients for Roasted Pepper, Mozzarella and Anchovy Involtini
Red bell peppers: These are the sweetest of all peppers and they provide a wonderfully sweet flavor.
Vegetable oil: Used for roasting the peppers.
Parsley: Adds a fresh flavor to the dish.
Capers: Tiny pickled buds that add a tangy punch.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavor.
Garlic clove: Gives a spicy, pungent kick.
Salt and freshly ground pepper: For seasoning.
Buffalo mozzarella: Adds a creamy, rich flavor.
Flat anchovies: Provides an intense, salty flavor.
One reader, Lavina Whitfield says:
This roasted pepper, mozzarella, and anchovy involtini recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the presentation is stunning. The combination of roasted peppers, creamy mozzarella, and savory anchovies is simply divine. It's a must-try for anyone who loves bold, Mediterranean flavors.
Techniques Required for Making Involtini
How to roast the peppers: Rub the bell peppers with vegetable oil and roast in a preheated oven at 500 degrees F for about 20 minutes, turning the peppers halfway through, until blackened in spots. Then, transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover with plastic, and let them cool. Once cooled, peel the peppers, cut them lengthwise into thirds, and discard the stems, cores, and seeds.
How to make the parsley mixture: In a small bowl, combine the parsley with the capers, olive oil, and garlic. Season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper.
How to assemble the involtini: Spread the roasted peppers on a work surface, lay the mozzarella sticks on the short ends, top with the anchovies, spoon the parsley mixture on top, and roll into tight cylinders. Trim the ends and cut the rolls in half. Skewer with toothpicks and serve.
How to make ahead: The rolls can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours or refrigerated for up to 8 hours. Bring them to room temperature before serving.
How To Make Roasted Pepper, Mozzarella and Anchovy Involtini
This involtini recipe is simply a roulade of roasted red bell peppers filled with capers, parsley, mozzarella, and anchovies.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4largered bell peppers
- vegetable oil
- 2tbspparsley,minced
- 1tbspcapers,minced, drained
- 1tbsp.extra-virgin olive oil
- 1smallgarlic clove
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- ½lbbuffalo mozzarella
- 2ozflat anchovies
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. On a baking sheet, lightly rub the bell peppers with vegetable oil.
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Roast for about 20 minutes, turning the peppers halfway through, until blackened in spots. Transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover with plastic and let cool.
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Peel the peppers and cut them lengthwise into thirds; discard the stems, cores and seeds.
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In a small bowl, combine the parsley with the capers, olive oil and garlic and season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Spread the peppers on a work surface.
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Lay the mozzarella sticks on the short ends and top with the anchovies.
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Spoon the parsley mixture on top and roll into tight cylinders.
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Trim the ends and cut the rolls in half.
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Skewer with toothpicks and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 52.26kcal
- Fat: 3.55g
- Saturated Fat: 1.42g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.52g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.31g
- Carbohydrates: 2.00g
- Fiber: 0.63g
- Sugar: 1.25g
- Protein: 3.08g
- Cholesterol: 9.47mg
- Sodium: 155.64mg
- Calcium: 56.41mg
- Potassium: 81.60mg
- Iron: 0.31mg
- Vitamin A: 61.50µg
- Vitamin C: 35.37mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Roasted Pepper, Mozzarella and Anchovy Involtini
When roasting bell peppers, it's important to keep a close eye on them as they can quickly go from perfectly charred to burnt. The blackened spots on the peppers are what give them a smoky flavor, but too much charring can result in a bitter taste. Also, after roasting, allowing the peppers to cool in a covered bowl makes the skin easier to peel off. This is because the steam trapped inside the bowl helps to loosen the skin.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Involtini Recipe
Prep ahead: Roast the peppers and make the parsley mixture a day in advance. This will save time on the day of serving.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the parsley, capers, and garlic for the parsley mixture.
Assembly line: Set up an assembly line to streamline the process of filling and rolling the involtini, making the task more efficient.
Multi-task: While the peppers are roasting, prepare other components of the meal to maximize productivity in the kitchen.
Organized workspace: Keep all the ingredients and tools organized and within reach to avoid wasting time searching for items during the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Pepper, Mozzarella and Anchovy Involtini Recipe
roasted pepper - Substitute with grilled eggplant: Grilled eggplant has a similar smoky flavor and meaty texture that can work as a substitute for roasted peppers in the involtini recipe.
mozzarella - Substitute with smoked provolone: Smoked provolone cheese has a similar creamy texture and a hint of smokiness that can replace the mozzarella in the involtini recipe.
anchovies - Substitute with capers: Capers can provide a briny and salty flavor similar to anchovies, adding a depth of flavor to the involtini recipe without the fishy taste.
Best Way to Present Roasted Pepper, Mozzarella and Anchovy Involtini
Elevate the plating: Arrange the involtini on a pristine white plate, ensuring each roll is placed with precision and care to create an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Garnish the plate with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley and a drizzle of vibrant extra-virgin olive oil to add a pop of color and enhance the visual appeal.
Create a symmetrical layout: Arrange the involtini in a symmetrical pattern on the plate, ensuring each roll is placed with uniformity and attention to detail to showcase culinary finesse.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the vibrant colors of the peppers and the creamy mozzarella to stand out and captivate the eye.
Add a touch of elegance with microgreens: Place a delicate microgreen or two strategically on the plate to add a touch of elegance and elevate the overall presentation.
Incorporate a drizzle of balsamic reduction: Create a beautiful swirl of balsamic reduction on the plate to add a touch of sophistication and complement the flavors of the dish.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace a minimalist plating style, allowing the simplicity of the dish to shine through and speak for itself, showcasing the quality of the ingredients.
Enhance with edible flowers: Introduce a subtle hint of floral elegance by delicately placing edible flowers around the plate, adding a touch of sophistication and visual appeal.
Consider the plate shape and size: Select a plate that complements the shape and size of the involtini, ensuring that the presentation is balanced and visually appealing.
Emphasize precision and attention to detail: Pay meticulous attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the presentation reflects precision and culinary expertise.
Essential Tools for Making Involtini
Oven: An essential appliance for roasting the bell peppers to perfection.
Baking sheet: Used to place the bell peppers in the oven for roasting.
Small bowl: To mix the parsley, capers, olive oil, and garlic for the flavorful topping.
Plastic wrap: Used to cover the roasted bell peppers while they cool.
Toothpicks: Used to skewer the involtini rolls for serving.
Storing and Freezing Involtini for Later
- These delightful roasted pepper, mozzarella, and anchovy involtini are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid freezing the involtini, as the mozzarella may become grainy and the roasted peppers can turn soggy upon thawing.
- If you need to prepare the involtini in advance, you can roast and peel the peppers, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling the rolls.
- Alternatively, you can assemble the involtini up to 8 hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- If you have any leftover parsley mixture, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and use it as a flavorful condiment for other dishes, such as grilled meats or vegetables.
How To Reheat Involtini Leftovers
Here are the best methods for reheating leftover roasted pepper, mozzarella and anchovy involtini:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the involtini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and the peppers are heated through. This method will help crisp up the edges of the peppers while keeping the inside soft and gooey.
- For a quicker option, use your microwave. Arrange the involtini on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 30-45 seconds. Check the temperature and continue heating in 15-second intervals until warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as the mozzarella may become rubbery.
- If you have an air fryer, this is a great way to reheat your involtini. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the involtini in the basket. Cook for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the peppers are crispy and the cheese is melted.
- For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and place the involtini in the pan. Cover with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through. The lid will help trap the heat and melt the cheese while the direct heat from the pan will crisp up the peppers.
- If you want to get creative, slice the involtini into bite-sized pieces and add them to a frittata or omelet. The flavors will meld together beautifully and you'll have a whole new dish to enjoy.
Interesting Fact About Involtini
The roasted pepper, mozzarella and anchovy involtini recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a light meal. The combination of sweet roasted peppers, creamy mozzarella, and salty anchovies creates a perfect balance of flavors. This dish is also a great make-ahead option, as the rolls can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours or refrigerated for up to 8 hours. When serving, be sure to bring the involtini to room temperature for the best flavor. Enjoy creating this roasted pepper, mozzarella and anchovy involtini for your next gathering!
Is Making Involtini at Home Cost-Effective?
This roasted pepper, mozzarella and anchovy involtini recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of bell peppers and mozzarella can be budget-friendly, while anchovies may be pricier. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15. The dish offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, earning a solid 8/10 rating. The combination of roasted peppers, creamy mozzarella, and savory anchovies creates a delightful appetizer or light meal. Overall, this recipe provides a satisfying culinary experience at a reasonable cost.
Is This Involtini Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for roasted pepper, mozzarella, and anchovy involtini has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, red bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. Parsley is rich in antioxidants and vitamins K and C, while garlic has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Buffalo mozzarella is a good source of protein and calcium, essential for maintaining strong bones.
However, the recipe also includes some less healthy ingredients. Anchovies, while a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, are high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure when consumed in excess. The use of vegetable oil for roasting the peppers adds unnecessary saturated and trans fats to the dish. Additionally, the recipe lacks a significant source of fiber, which is important for digestive health and maintaining a feeling of fullness.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the vegetable oil with a healthier alternative like avocado oil or coconut oil, which are more heat-stable and contain beneficial fats
- Reduce the amount of anchovies used or replace them with a lower-sodium alternative like kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes
- Add a source of fiber to the dish, such as serving the involtini over a bed of quinoa or whole-grain pasta
- Incorporate more vegetables into the filling, like sautéed spinach or roasted zucchini, to increase the nutrient density of the dish
By making these simple modifications, you can enhance the nutritional value of this tasty appetizer while still maintaining its delicious flavor profile. The key is to strike a balance between the indulgent ingredients and the more nutrient-dense additions, creating a satisfying and wholesome dish that your guests will love.
Editor's Opinion on This Involtini Dish
The roasted pepper, mozzarella, and anchovy involtini recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The roasted peppers add a smoky sweetness, while the creamy buffalo mozzarella and salty anchovies provide a perfect balance. The parsley and caper mixture adds a burst of freshness, tying the dish together beautifully. This dish is versatile and can be served as an elegant appetizer or a flavorful addition to a Mediterranean-inspired meal. The make-ahead option makes it convenient for entertaining. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to impress your guests with its bold and vibrant flavors.
Why trust this Roasted Pepper, Mozzarella and Anchovy Involtini Recipe:
This roasted pepper, mozzarella and anchovy involtini recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The roasted peppers add a smoky sweetness, while the creamy mozzarella and savory anchovies provide a perfect balance. The recipe's use of parsley and capers enhances the dish with a burst of freshness and briny notes. With careful attention to detail, this recipe promises a harmonious fusion of flavors that will surely captivate the palate. Trust in the quality of these ingredients and the thoughtful preparation to elevate your culinary experience.
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