Want to know how to prepare padrón peppers the traditional Spanish way? Before Javier takes you through his simple step by step padrón pepper recipe and what to have with padrón peppers, let’s find out exactly what padrón peppers are.
What are padrón peppers?
Padrón peppers, known as pimientos de Padrón are wonderful bright little green peppers from the Galicia region of Spain. Fried, sea salted and served in tapas bars throughout Spain, they are big favourites with everyone from locals to tourists.
Most, but not all padrón peppers are mild. In fact, they are famous for their “game of chance” in terms of heat. Some peppers in a batch are mild but others which may be maturer are spicier, so you gamble each time you enjoy one.
The history of padrón peppers
Named after the town of Padrón in Galicia, they were originally brought from Mexico in the 16th century by conquistadores and then grown in a Galician monastery in Herbón.
The Galician climate, with its high rainfall and mild temperatures, enabled the padrón peppers to adapt and evolve into a strain distinct from their South American ancestors. Over time, the peppers developed a milder flavor and became smaller and finger sized.
Not all padrón peppers are the same
There are real padrón peppers and then there are padrón-style peppers. Their origin, cultivation, quality, and taste are poles apart. Basco only stocks real fresh padrón peppers.
In terms of origin, real padrón peppers are grown in Galicia with seeds that are indigenous to the area. This gives them variable levels of capsaicin. Capsaicin is the active compound in chili peppers that creates their characteristic ‘unos pican, otros no’ heat – which translates as “some are spicy, some are not”. Padrón “style” peppers simply do not have this.
Also, real padrón peppers are now protected under a Certified Origin or Protected Designation of Origin (DOP), registered as “Pimientos de Herbón”.
Padrón pepper recipe
Basco founder Javier De La Hormaza is a professional chef from the Basque Country and really knows his padrón peppers. His recipe for this perfect tapas dish is a traditional one which he shares below…
“Quick and easy, this padrón peppers recipe brings a splash of bright green to your meals. Sweet, salty and with the odd hit of spice, I simply blister them in a hot pan with a little olive until they wilt, then scatter sea salt flakes over them. Delicious!”
How to prepare Padrón Peppers
Take 200g of real padrón peppers and make a tiny cut to the tip of each. The reason we do this is that is stops the peppers from exploding during cooking. It also helps to steam the inside and cook evenly.
Next, pre-heat a large frying pan and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. When it is hot, throw in the padrón peppers and fry on a moderate heat for just 2-3 minutes. Shake the pan regularly so that all sides of the padrón peppers blister and turn brown.
Finally, take the padrón peppers off the heat, and sprinkle liberally with a good quality sea salt flakes.
Javier did say it was quick and easy.
What to have with padrón peppers
Padrón peppers are perfect as a simple appetizer or with other tapas. They are delicious as a side dish or garnish with steak and fish dishes. Traditionally, they are also often served with fried eggs, chips, jamon Ibérico and Manchego cheese.
Wine pairings for padrón peppers
Javier recommends accompanying them with local crisp white wines from Galicia, where padrón peppers originate from. Try a Terras Gauda Albarino, Luna Beberide Godello or O’Ventosela Ribeiro. Alternatively, a delightfully fizzy Zudugari Txakoli from the Basque country or a dry nutty Argueso Fino Sherry from Jerez.
Real Padrón peppers from Basco
We only stock real padrón peppers grown by Horsal which arrive weekly direct from Spain for freshness. This cooperative based in Galicia specialises in growing traditional Galician vegetables including their famous padrón peppers. They have a wonderfully sweet taste, with a hint of asparagus.
You can buy Horsal real padrón peppers in 200g packs which contain 24 padrón peppers in each bag and we will deliver them straight to your door.
