22nd Nov, 2012
Green peppers everywhere

Everywhere I went for my Mediterranean Feast journey I came across green peppers. And when I say green peppers I mean a wide range of capsicums in various shades, shapes and sizes, also varying dramatically in heat, from totally innocuous and mild to on-fire-burning-hot.
The milder varieties are used everywhere. They are thrown into salads, get grilled or pickled and often are also stuffed with rice and lamb.
Unlike the bell peppers familiar in the west, the pointy mild varieties – Charleston is one of them – have a thinner skin and quicker to cook and take on a sweet aroma. Grilled pointy green pepper, drizzle with oil and sprinkled with flaky salt is one of the most delicious things you can cook.



Comments
Yotam I am dying to say how much I am enjoying this TV series, I am so glad you are embracing presenting because your programmes are excellent!
Slightly disappointed you didn't come across more vegetarian legume-based meals in North Africa though, as your vegetable based dinners have absolutely honestly transformed my (vegan) life. Some of the relish-style salads look phenomenal though, if I can work out what to serve them with!
P.s. do you have an email address for fan mail?
@Hannah, thanks! I found in North Africa a lot of the meals heavily vegetable based but most had a small amount of meat. The food is not really made to be vegetarian, usually more of a mix. leaning more towards vegetables. No private address for fan mail
@Yotam thank you so much for responding, in the case of no email address I will just allude to the help of your recipes in rehabilitating cooking and eating against a deeply painful and disordered relationship with eating (anorexia). Heartfelt thanks.
(And more love for the Israeli episode - and more vegan food! the hummus and tomato-bulgar salad!)
@Hannah, my pleasure, I'm happy to hear my recipes are helping on your road to recovery. Best, Yotam
Hi Yotum,
after seeing your Mediterranean series I decided I would visit Mamie Lily in La Goulette, Tunis....I have been going for over 30 years there but this gave me an excuse to day trip Tunis with some girlfriends who had watched your program also.
When we arrived it looked as if it was closed with Mother sitting in the kitchen looking warn out but her son who is very nice served us. I told them that because of you we were there to sample the fish balls !!! he laughed but I have to say that his chocolate mousse doused with Orange and real Whiskey was the best I had until now (even beats Mr Chows in Knightsbridge !!).
I will now be taking trips to Israel just to EAT...I love cooking and enjoy replicating your recipes and try not to overeat !
Thanks Susane
@Susane, the dear Mother, she looked warn out when we were there too! So glad you made it. Enjoy your trips to Israel.