How to cook Padrón Peppers (Pimientos de Padrón)
Os pementos de padrón, uns pican e outros non
The above is a Galician saying describing the little green peppers that are the subject of this post, meaning that some of them have a kick, others don't. These are the Russian Roulette of Spanish gastronomy.
Pimientos de Padrón (Padrón Peppers) grow in the eponymous parish of Padrón, located in the province of Galicia known as A Coruña, in Northwest Spain. This a poetic land, home to one of the greatest female writers of the Galician language, Rosalía de Castro. Spain has several regional languages (recognised as such, instead of dialects, under the Spanish Constitution), other languages include Basque and Catalonian.
Padrón Peppers are currently stocked at Waitrose (£1.99 for a 130 g bag), this is where I bought mine last week, but keep your eyes peeled if you see any Spanish stalls, shops, supermarkets in your daily travels. They are a very seasonal produce and, in fact, they are ideal for summer tapas so make sure you grab a bag soon or you may have to wait until next year.
How to eat Padrón Peppers
No forks required, grab them by the stems and, if you're brave, eat everything but the stem itself but don't forget some of them can be as hot as a
What to drink with Padrón Peppers
Enjoy, if you can, with a nice chilled beer and make sure you have nice crusty bread handy because, should you get one with that special kick, you will want to reach for the bread to appease the burning sensation, if you like chillis you're going to love this. Once you're done with the bread make sure you have a nice sip of that beer. Chin chin.
If you want to read more about the food of my homeland, Galicia, step this way.
How to cook Spanish/Galician Padrón Peppers (Pimientos de padrón)
Equipment
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 150 g Padron Peppers (Spanish Pimientos de Padron) or whatever amount you want
- sprinkle sea salt I like Maldon Sea Salt
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a frying pan. The bag says 30 ml, I use my "ojo de buen cubero"* skills and calculate myself as I pour.
- 2. Add the peppers and fry over a medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, stirring them or shaking the pan (if you're less clumsy than me) every once in a while, until you see that the skin of the peppers blisters and they appear to be shrinking (the bag said something like gentle heat for about ¾ minutes but I don't agree, a gentle heat isn't enough).
- 3. Serve with Spanish flair in a pretty or manky dish, it doesn't matter, sprinkled with sea salt (in the UK I like using Maldon salt). The salt should be noticeable, I know it may not sound like the best for your heart but the fact that this will lift your spirits will cheer you right up.
Notes
¡Que aproveche!
Maria aka Feisty Tapas
*
Bavarian Sojourn says
One of my favourite Spanish foods! And finally a recipe (with great photographs) to be able to make them! Thank you!! 🙂
Gillian James says
I first tried these in Galicia- whilst walking the Camino de Santiago. We had beautiful simple food along the way. These little peppers were served in most places.
Maria @ Feisty Tapas says
Thanks so much! I am glad you had heard of these little green peppers before (and by that I mean pleasantly surprised of course ;)). As you're a regular reader you may have noticed I didn't blog about food very much before but have always wanted to so your comment means a lot. I am also glad you like the photos, I quickly took them while preparing a quick lunch on Sunday. Do you find Padron Peppers over there at all?
Bavarian Sojourn says
Used to be the first thing I would order at a tapas place we used to go to in London! Haven't seen them here, but I think I could probably find them at the Viktualientmarkt (fresh food market) in town. Will report back! 🙂
Peggy Melmoth says
Looks delicious! I love all tapas 🙂
Maria @ Feisty Tapas says
Thank you Peggy!
Reecea Henderson says
My husband lover all kinds of peppers. Thanks for posting this recipe.
Maria @ Feisty Tapas says
You're most welcome Reecea, let me know if you try it
Bob Ward says
Love them I have grown them for a number of years now, find them quite easy
Neil says
Have seen these peppers in the supermarket and wasn’t sure how hot and how to use them…. Now I know so will try the recipe! Muchas Gracias!
Viv O’Connor says
I saw this post originally back in 2020 before the first uk lockdown. So I bought some seedlings and grew padron peppers in tubs in my little south south facing garden in Southampton. We grew more this year. So tasty and my son loves guessing if he has a hot one.