The biquinho pepper, also known as “little beak” pepper due to its distinctive shape, is a delightful ingredient that brings a mild heat and a subtly sweet flavor to any dish. Originating from Brazil, these small, vibrant red peppers are perfect for adding a pop of color and a unique taste to your culinary creations.
Whether you enjoy them pickled, roasted, or fresh, biquinho peppers can transform simple meals into extraordinary experiences. In this post, we’ll explore several delicious biquinho pepper recipes that highlight their versatility and flavor, from appetizers to savory mains.
If you’re curious about new ways to spice up your kitchen repertoire with this charming pepper, keep reading for fresh ideas and expert tips.
Not only are biquinho peppers visually appealing, but their mild heat level makes them perfect for those who want a little kick without overwhelming spice. They also pair beautifully with cheeses, vegetables, and even grilled dishes.
By incorporating biquinho peppers into your meals, you can elevate your cooking with minimal effort. Plus, their unique taste will impress guests and add a fresh twist to your regular recipes.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into some mouthwatering biquinho pepper recipes that you’ll love making again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Biquinho pepper recipes are a wonderful way to introduce a subtle yet exciting flavor to your meals. Unlike hotter chili varieties, biquinho peppers offer a gentle warmth combined with a hint of sweetness, making them versatile for many dishes.
Their small size and vibrant color make them a beautiful garnish or main ingredient that can brighten up any plate.
These recipes are designed to be approachable for cooks of all skill levels and use common kitchen ingredients, ensuring you don’t need exotic or hard-to-find products. Whether you’re preparing a quick snack, a flavorful side, or a savory entrée, biquinho peppers add depth and character without overpowering other flavors.
Additionally, biquinho peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, adding nutritional value along with taste. If you enjoy experimenting with fresh, natural ingredients, these recipes will inspire you to use biquinho peppers in creative and tasty ways.
Ingredients
- 200 grams biquinho peppers (fresh or jarred/pickled)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro), chopped, for garnish
- 150 grams cream cheese or vegan cream cheese alternative
- 1 small red onion, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (to balance acidity)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small saucepan or skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Serving plate or bowl
- Colander (if rinsing pickled peppers)
- Optional: blender or food processor (for creamy spreads)
Instructions
- Prepare the biquinho peppers: If using jarred or pickled biquinho peppers, drain them in a colander and rinse lightly under cold water to reduce excess brine. If using fresh peppers, gently wash and pat dry.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the peppers: Add the biquinho peppers to the skillet and sauté gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. The peppers should soften but retain their shape.
- Season the peppers: Sprinkle the sea salt and smoked paprika over the peppers. Stir to coat evenly. Remove from heat and add the lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Prepare the onion topping: In a small bowl, combine the sliced red onion with white wine vinegar and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to soften and reduce the sharpness.
- Make the pepper cream spread: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with half of the sautéed biquinho peppers (reserve the other half for garnish). Use a fork or blender to mash or blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and honey/agave if desired.
- Assemble the dish: Spread the biquinho pepper cream on your serving plate or toast slices. Top with the remaining whole peppers and marinated onions.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the top and drizzle a little extra olive oil if desired. Serve immediately as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra smoky flavor, try roasting fresh biquinho peppers under the broiler for 5 minutes before sautéing.”
- Pickling option: If you want to enjoy biquinho peppers beyond fresh use, try quick pickling them with vinegar, sugar, and spices for up to two weeks. This enhances their flavor and shelf life.
- Vegan variation: Swap cream cheese for a vegan alternative like cashew cream or coconut-based cheese for a dairy-free spread.
- Cheese pairing: Biquinho peppers pair wonderfully with cheeses like goat cheese, mozzarella, or even a vegan pepper jack slice such as found in our Best Vegan Pepper Jack Cheese Slice Recipe.
- Salad booster: Add sautéed or pickled biquinho peppers to grain bowls or green salads for a colorful, mildly spicy accent.
- Spice level: Though mild, if you prefer a bit more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or pair with spicier chilies in mixed dishes.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Total Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Vitamin C | 45% DV |
| Vitamin A | 20% DV |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Biquinho pepper dishes are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. For a casual snack, spread the pepper cream on toasted baguette slices or crackers.
These make excellent party appetizers or tapas-style bites.
They also complement grilled vegetables or plant-based proteins nicely, adding a layer of flavor and visual appeal. Try pairing biquinho peppers with dishes like our Vegan Pinwheel Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious or add them to a fresh salad alongside the Burmese Vegetarian Salad Recipes for Fresh Healthy Meals.
For a heartier meal, incorporate biquinho peppers into grain bowls or alongside your favorite vegan grilled sandwich, such as those found in our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.
Conclusion
Biquinho peppers are a delightful ingredient that deserves a spot in your kitchen repertoire. Their mild heat and sweet undertones make them a unique addition to a variety of recipes, from appetizers to main courses.
These peppers not only add flavor but also bring vibrant color and nutrition to your meals with minimal effort.
Whether you use them fresh, pickled, or roasted, biquinho peppers offer endless culinary possibilities. Experiment with the recipes shared here and feel free to customize them to your taste.
You’ll find that these charming little peppers are perfect for elevating everyday dishes and impressing your guests. For more inspiration on creative vegan and vegetarian recipes, explore some of our other favorites linked throughout this post.
📖 Recipe Card: Spicy Biquinho Pepper Relish
Description: A tangy and mildly spicy relish made with biquinho peppers, perfect as a condiment or side dish. This recipe enhances the natural sweetness of the peppers with vinegar and garlic.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 200g biquinho peppers, washed and stems removed
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaf in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Add biquinho peppers to the saucepan and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Transfer peppers and liquid to a jar, add olive oil, and seal.
- Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 45 kcal | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 2 g | Carbs: 6 g
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