What Are Pimientos?
And what is pimento cheese?
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If you’ve ever had stuffed green olives or pimento cheese, you’ve tasted pimientos. But what exactly are they? For more info, we consulted Chris McLaurin, chef-owner of Lutra Cafe and Bakery in Durham, N.C.
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What Are Pimientos?
Pimientos, also known as pimentos or cherry peppers, are a mild and sweet red pepper.
“Their distinctive shape, a bit like a donut or heart, is easily spotted at any market,” McLaurin says. “While they resemble a red bell pepper, in taste their flesh is a bit less meaty and overall, they are just a tad more savory.”
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How to Use Pimiento Peppers
Jarred and fresh pimiento peppers add flavor and a pop of color to a variety of dishes, including cheese and appetizer plates (hello, Pimiento Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos and Pimento Meatballs with Olive Tapenade), dips, spreads and sauces. You can also use fresh pimiento peppers anywhere you’d use red bell peppers, such as stuffing and baking them, roasting or grilling them, or adding them to salads and pasta dishes.
“My favorite application for pimientos is using them to make romesco. Grill or roast the peppers and then process them with toasted almonds, sherry vinegar, garlic, salt and olive oil for a fantastic spread,” McLaurin says. “At Lutra, we make our own spicy pimiento cheese to go inside savory buns.”
What Do Pimientos Taste Like?
Pimiento peppers taste mild and sweet. “While some varieties will have a bit of heat, more often than not these are friendly for even the most mild of palettes,” McLaurin says. “They are a bit more savory than bell peppers and have subtle floral notes.”
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What Is Pimento Cheese?
Pimiento cheese is a classic Southern spread and dip made with sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise and roasted and chopped pimiento peppers, typically served with crackers or bread (like these Pimento Cheese Sandwiches). McLaurin notes that pimento cheese recipes can also include spices such as salt, pepper, paprika and cayenne. “Traditionally it is served with saltines (try frying them first for extra deliciousness!) or with white bread as a sandwich,” they say. “You'll also find it in things like mac and cheese or on a fried chicken biscuit.”
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How to Buy Pimientos and How to Store Pimientos
You can find jarred pimientos at grocery stores year-round but McLaurin says that your best bet for finding fresh pimiento peppers is at the farmers’ market. “Pimientos will generally start showing up in July and be available through the end of the summer. Buy your peppers when they are bright red, shiny and firm,” they say.
Fresh pimientos are best stored in the refrigerator, ideally in the crisper drawer, and used within a week or so. McLaurin notes that you can extend the shelf-life of fresh pimientos by roasting and canning them or using them to make pepper jelly.
Once opened, jarred pimientos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to nine months.
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