I am not a huge fan of peppers, but when introduced to a little Japanese Shishito pepper, it changed my mind. Mildly sweet and fantastic sautéed in olive oil, then finished with a sprinkling of Sea Salt. Shishito Pepper plants are found this time of year at many local nurseries, including Home Depot. If you have a vegetable garden, or even a pot to grow them in, you may consider adding them to your summer crops. The Shishito Pepper originated in Japan and is said to be among the favorite pepper varietals used by Japanese Culinary Chefs.

Blistered Shishito Peppers

When my son was visiting last summer, he bought a handful of Shishito pepper pods at the Farmer’s Market and sautéed them up for us. I was a bit leery at first, not knowing if they were going to be too spicy, but I was assured they contain very little heat. One bite and I had a new appetizer favorite. In fact, we were practically fighting over who got the last one!

Shishito Pepper Plants

 

Blistered Shishito Peppers with Sea Salt

Don’t let the shriveled ugliness of these peppers fool you! One bite and I guarantee you will be hooked. But just in case you don’t want to eat them plain, here are a few links to some great Shishito Pepper Recipes:

Marinated feta with pan-roasted shishito peppers & olives This make-ahead hors d’oeuvre will be the talk of the party!

 

Spicy watermelon salad with feta and pan-roasted shishito peppers An easy, refreshing summer salad recipe – with a kick!

Chilled cucumber and yellow pepper soup with goat milk yogurt and pan-roasted shishito peppers

As I mentioned in my last post, we married off our last child this past weekend. It was a beautiful wedding, full of love and laughter. Not only was the wedding an incredibly sweet time with family and friends, I also got a little one on one time with my grand kids. My joy-filled granddaughter is 9 months old and full of smiles! Her 2 1/2 year old brother was the ring bearer and took his job very seriously, well, sort of. He was told to walk down the aisle and give the ring box to his uncle. He ran down the aisle, handed the box to his uncle and then ran back to his mom. “All done!”, he said with a smile. I love the spontaneity of children at weddings!

Nana & Grand-Daughter

We don’t have images back from the photographer yet, but here are a couple of my favorite detail shots taken during the ceremony. I hope to have the opportunity to share a few more in the near future.

Interlocking Hands

Wedding Clothes

 

 

 

 

2 comments on “Blistered Shishito Peppers: A Summer Japanese Appetizer”

  1. I can’t wait to try some shishito peppers — hopefully I can find them at our farmer’s market. Thanks for sharing!

    I bet the wedding was gorgeous! I LOVE the picture of you and your granddaughter! It is priceless! 💜

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