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.
Red Pepper Coulis Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper roasted
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Core and seed the roasted pepper. If you don't want to roast a pepper, try using a roasted pepper from a can or jar but only if they are packed in water. The peppers packed in oil have a distinctive taste that I find nasty.
- Add the roasted pepper to your blender or food processor, then the mayo and then season with a little salt and pepper.
- In short bursts, blend or process the pepper until you have a nice smooth sauce.
