Spanish Padron Peppers Recipe (Pimientos de Padrón)

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Table of contents:

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Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken – Healthy Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

(Makes tapas for 2)

• 500g/17oz. Padron peppers
• 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 
• A pinch of coarse sea salt

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Equipment Needed

• Cast iron skillet or frying pan
• Cooking tongs
• Serving plate

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Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet on medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the peppers whole and rotate the peppers continuously. You will see the skin begin to brown and blister. 
3. Once the peppers are blistered on all sides, remove them from the heat and add to a serving plate. 
4. Season with salt and serve!

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Cooking Notes:

• If the oil starts to smoke, it is too hot, remove it from the heat immediately.
• Be sure to turn the peppers regularly so they cook and blister on all sides.
• Do not cover the pan or skillet while cooking, the peppers will soften and may go mushy. 
• If the peppers bulge with air while cooking, use a sharp knife to pop each pepper and release the air. 
• Coarse-flaked sea salt or Pink Himalayan salt work best for this recipe. Both are healthier than standard table salt. 
• You can also use normal olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for a more affordable option if EVOO’s really expensive where you are right now.

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Easy Vegan Tapas Recipe

With just 3 vegan-friendly ingredients, salted Padrón peppers is a fantastic Spanish tapas recipe that is inexpensive and can be prepared in just a few minutes. All you’ll need is Padrón peppers (or any other small green pepper), some olive oil, and some salt. 

Where are Padrón Peppers From?

Padrón peppers, known as Pimientos de Padrón in Spain are from the town ‘Padrón’ located within the region of Galicia, in northwestern Spain. It is situated along the Sar River and is approximately 25 kilometers (about 16 miles) southwest of the city of Santiago de Compostela, the famous ending point for the hike and pilgrimage Camino de Santiago. 

What are Padrón Peppers? 

Padrón peppers (Pimientos de Padrón) are small green peppers. The peppers are typically 2 to 4 inches long (4-8 cm) and have a distinctive mild, sweet flavor, though a very small percentage can be surprisingly hot, which adds an element of excitement to eating them. 

This variability in heat is one characteristic that makes Padrón peppers unique and popular.

Are Padrón Peppers Spicy?

The heat of Padrón peppers can vary significantly. Most of them are mild, but about 1% can be quite hot. On the Scoville scale, which measures the heat of chili peppers, mild Padrón peppers typically range from 500 to 2,500 Scoville heat units (SHU). 

However, the spicier Padrón peppers can reach levels similar to hotter varieties of peppers, sometimes up to around 2,500 to 3,000 SHU. This variability in heat adds an element of surprise when eating them, as you never know when you’ll encounter a particularly spicy one.

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Do I need Padron peppers to make this recipe?

No, you don’t necessarily need Padrón peppers to make this recipe; you can use several substitutes depending on what’s available near you and your preference. 

Here are some alternatives that you can consider:

1. Shishito Peppers: These are the most similar to Padrón peppers in terms of size, shape, and unpredictable heat levels. They are a popular substitute and can be prepared in the same way.
2. Mini Bell Peppers: If you’re looking for a mild and sweet option without the risk of spiciness, mini bell peppers can work well, though they won’t have the same potential for heat.
3. Anaheim Peppers: These are larger and usually milder than Padrón peppers, but they can be a good substitute if you want a mild, slightly sweet pepper.
4. Jalapeño Peppers: For a spicier option, you can use jalapeños. They have a different flavor and more consistent heat, but they can add a nice kick to your dish.
5. Cubanelle Peppers: These are mild and sweet, similar to bell peppers, and can be a good substitute if you prefer a milder option.

Can you buy Padron peppers outside of Spain? 

Yes, you can buy Padrón peppers outside of Spain, but it will depend on where you live as to how easy this is. Here are some ways to find Padrón peppers outside of Spain:

1. Specialty Grocery Stores: Many high-end or specialty grocery stores around the world, such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and other gourmet food shops, carry Padrón peppers, particularly during their growing season.
2. Farmers’ Markets: In regions where farmers grow a variety of produce, Padrón peppers can often be found at local farmers’ markets.
3. Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Melissa’s Produce, and other online food retailers offer Padron Pepper Seeds.
4. Local Farms: Some local farms, especially those focusing on organic or specialty crops, might grow and sell Padrón peppers. They may sell them at farm stands, through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, or even deliver directly to your door.

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Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories	288
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 28.4g	36%
Saturated Fat 4.1g	21%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 241mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate 11g	4%
Dietary Fiber 4.1g	14%
Total Sugars 5.7g
Protein 2.1g
Vitamin D 0mcg	0%
Calcium 24mg	2%
Iron 1mg	5%
Potassium 417mg	9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

More Mediterranean Chicken Recipes:

• Healthy Mediterranean Chicken in a Tangy Lemon, Oil, and Herb Marinade
• Baked Mediterranean Chicken Thighs
• Pan-fried Greek Chicken Souvlaki With Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
• Za’atar Chicken with Leek, Artichoke Hearts, and Kalamata Olives
• One-pan Greek Chicken thighs with roast veg
• Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs with Couscous and a Tangy Greek Yogurt Dressing

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