Pepper Paste

What Is Pepper Paste?

Pepper paste is a Turkish-cuisine paste made by boiling and mashing ripe red peppers (usually sweet or mildly spicy varieties), then thickening the mixture by stirring for days in the sun or a low-heat oven.

Unlike tomato paste, it has a darker reddish-brown color and carries a sweeter, deeper pepper character; if hot peppers are used, a noticeable spiciness is also added.

Nutritional Values of Pepper Paste

100 grams of pepper paste contains approximately 90 kcal of energy; it preserves some of the vitamin C from the peppers (which decreases during cooking), and contains sodium depending on the salting ratio. Values are approximate.

How Should Pepper Paste Be Consumed?

Pepper paste is used as part of a balanced diet, in measured amounts to add flavor to dishes.

This information is general; pepper paste is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. Since its salt ratio can be high, moderate use is recommended for those on salt restriction.

How to Choose Pepper Paste?

A good pepper paste is one with a dark reddish-brown color, a natural roasted-pepper aroma, and a dense-paste-like consistency. Products with artificial coloring additives should be avoided.

• Color should be dark reddish-brown
• Aroma should be natural roasted pepper, not artificial/chemical
• Consistency should be dense-paste-like, not runny-watery

How to Store Pepper Paste?

Pepper paste can be kept in a closed jar in the refrigerator for several months once opened; pouring a thin layer of olive oil on top reduces air contact and extends its shelf life.

Using Pepper Paste in the Kitchen

Pepper paste is most often used in kavurma (sautéed meat), dried beans, lentil soup, and the sautéing stage of meat dishes, either combined with tomato paste or on its own; it is also the flavor base of çiğ köfte and ezme-style meze dips.

Are Pepper Paste and Tomato Paste Used Together?

Often, yes; in many traditional recipes the two are mixed together, with pepper paste adding a sweet-deep tone while tomato paste contributes a slight tartness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pepper paste spicy?

It depends on the pepper variety used; paste made from sweet peppers is not spicy, while varieties containing hot peppers are notably spicy. It can be chosen by checking the label.

Can pepper paste be made at home?

Yes; red peppers are boiled and mashed, mixed with salt, and thickened by stirring for days in the sun or a low-heat oven — a traditional but labor-intensive process.

Is pepper paste found all over Turkey?

Yes; it is sold in almost every market next to tomato paste, and is especially known for traditional production in Southeastern Anatolia.