Beautifully Blistered Shishito Peppers

These blistered shishito peppers are one of those brilliant side dishes that look impressive but take almost no effort at all. A quick toss in olive oil, two minutes on a hot grill, and you've got something genuinely addictive. Shishito peppers are mild and sweet — though the odd one will sneak in a little heat, which is half the fun. Finished with a squeeze of grilled lemon, everything bagel seasoning, and a pinch of flaky sea salt, they're perfect alongside grilled fish, chicken, or just on their own with cold drinks.

Ingredients

• 200g shishito peppers
• 1–2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1–2 tsp everything bagel seasoning
• Flaky sea salt, to finish

Method

1. Preheat your gas grill to high heat — you want it properly hot so the peppers blister and char rather than steam.
2. Toss the shishito peppers in the olive oil until lightly coated all over.
3. Place the peppers directly on the grill grates. Grill for 2–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they're blistered and charred in spots. They should be soft but not completely collapsed.
4. At the same time, place the lemon halves cut-side down on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes until caramelised and lightly charred.
5. Transfer the peppers to a serving plate. Sprinkle over the everything bagel seasoning and a good pinch of flaky sea salt. Squeeze the grilled lemon juice over the top just before serving.
6. Eat straight away — these are best piping hot, straight off the grill.

Originally published by Bull BBQ. Adapted for UK audiences by Cedar Kitchen in the Garden.