Anti Inflammatory Walnut Pesto Roasted Red Pepper Relish
Sweet, smoky, and vibrant, this roasted red pepper relish is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste more exciting. Broiling the peppers until deeply charred and then letting them steam is what gives the dish its silky, concentrated sweetness — no jarred shortcuts needed. The pesto-walnut base brings together fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil into a bright, coarse paste that's genuinely packed with ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Walnuts fold in at the end to keep their texture, adding a satisfying crunch alongside healthy fats that make this more than just a pretty topping. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming the fresh herb flavor. It comes together in one food processor and serves six, making it an easy addition to a weeknight spread or a weekend gathering. Spoon it over grilled proteins, stir it into grains, or just eat it straight from the bowl with good bread — it's that good.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the roasted peppers
- 3 large red bell peppers (about 1 ½ lb total)
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
For the pesto-walnut base
- ½ cup raw walnuts
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 1 small garlic clove, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Position an oven rack 6 inches from the broiler element and preheat the broiler to high. Place the whole red bell peppers on a baking sheet, rub them with 1 tbsp olive oil, and broil for 18–22 minutes, turning with tongs every 5–6 minutes, until the skins are deeply charred and blistered on all sides and the peppers have collapsed.
- 2
Transfer the charred peppers to a mixing bowl, cover tightly with a plate or plastic wrap, and let them steam for 10 minutes — this loosens the skins.
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