Step-by-Step Guide to Making Delicious Red Pepper Coulis at Home

Red pepper coulis is a vibrant, versatile sauce that adds flavor and color to any dish. Made from roasted red bell peppers, olive oil, garlic, and a few simple seasonings, this smooth sauce delivers a rich, slightly sweet taste with a hint of smokiness. It’s the perfect accompaniment to various meals, from grilled meats and seafood to roasted vegetables and pasta.

In this post, I’ll explore everything you need to know about red pepper coulis: how to make it, store it, and the many delicious ways you can use it to elevate your cooking. Whether preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, this sauce offers an easy way to add depth and complexity to your dishes without much effort.

We'll also cover tips on roasting peppers to perfection and share creative variations incorporating herbs, spices, or other ingredients to customize the flavor. Red pepper coulis will become a favorite kitchen staple with its bold color and smooth texture. Let's dive into the world of coulis and discover how this simple yet stunning sauce can transform your culinary creations.

What Is A Coulis

A coulis is a smooth, flavorful sauce made from puréed fruits or vegetables. It’s often used to enhance the flavor and presentation of dishes by adding a vibrant, concentrated taste and a colorful element. Coulis can be either savory or sweet, depending on the ingredients used.

Examples of Coulis:

Tomato Coulis: Made from ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this savory sauce is excellent for pasta dishes and grilled meats or as a base for soups and stews.
Berry Coulis: A sweet coulis made from puréed berries (such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries), sugar, and sometimes lemon juice. It’s often drizzled over desserts like cheesecake, panna cotta, or ice cream.
Mango Coulis: Made from ripe mangoes, sugar, and lime juice, this tropical coulis is perfect for desserts or as a fresh sauce for fish or seafood.
Herb Coulis: This version blends fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley with olive oil and lemon juice, creating a light and refreshing sauce ideal for drizzling over grilled vegetables or meats.

Coulis is valued for its smooth texture, intense flavor, and ability to add sophistication to simple and complex dishes.

This red pepper coulis recipe goes exceptionally well with my crab cakes recipe.

History of Coulis

Coulis is a culinary term for a smooth, thick sauce made from puréed fruits or vegetables. Its history can be traced back to French cuisine, which has been used for centuries to enhance dishes with vibrant flavors and colors.

The word "coulis" is derived from the French verb "couler," which means "to flow." This reflects the sauce's smooth, flowing texture. Traditionally, coulis was made by cooking down fruits or vegetables, straining the mixture to remove solids, and then puréeing it until smooth. The resulting sauce can be served hot or cold, often used as a base or accompaniment for various dishes.

In French gastronomy, coulis gained prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially with the rise of nouvelle cuisine, which emphasized fresh, high-quality ingredients and elegant presentation. Chefs began to use coulis to add flavor and create artistic designs on plates, enhancing the visual appeal of their dishes.

Today, coulis is widely used in various cuisines around the world. It can be made from various ingredients, including tomatoes, berries, and herbs, making it a versatile sauce that complements sweet and savory dishes. Whether drizzled over a dessert or used as a base for savory entrees, coulis continues to be celebrated for its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.

📖 Recipe

Print Recipe

Red Pepper Coulis Recipe

How to prepare red pepper coulis.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Roasting25

Total Time40

Course: Sauces

Cuisine: American

Keyword: coulis

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

2 large red bell pepper
1 clove garlic minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice for a brighter flavor
salt and pepper to taste
1 pinch red pepper flakes for heat (optional)

Instructions

Roast the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is blistered and charred.

Cool and Peel

Remove the peppers from the oven and place them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or a lid. Let them steam for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, peel off the skin and remove the seeds and stems.

Blend the Ingredients

Add the peeled peppers, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.