Spicy Long Hots Recipe: A Fiery Twist to Amp Up Your Appetizers

For those who crave the perfect blend of heat and flavor, long hots are the ultimate culinary delight. Originating from Southern Italy, these slender green peppers pack a punch that will have your taste buds begging for more. After many trials and errors, I have finally concocted the perfect recipe for spicy long hots that will elevate any appetizer spread or add excitement to your main course.

I was first introduced to long hots during a trip to Philadelphia, where they are cherished as a local delicacy. The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked on their intense heat and vibrant flavor. Since then, I have experimented with various recipes to create my own signature version, balancing the spiciness with subtle undertones that make these peppers genuinely addictive.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Dietary Restrictions
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Equipment
• Storage
• Pro Tips
• Spicy Long Hots Recipe: A Fiery Twist to Amp Up Your Appetizers
• Comments

Ingredients

• Long hots — 8-10 peppers, stems removed, seeded if desired
• Extra virgin olive oil — 2 tablespoons
• Garlic cloves — 4, minced
• Crushed red pepper flakes — 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Sea salt — 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper — ½ teaspoon, freshly ground
• Lemon juice — 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed

Instructions

1. Preheat your broiler to high and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 

2. Place the long hots on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are arranged in a single layer. 

3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, black pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. 

4. Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the long hots, ensuring that each pepper is coated evenly. 

5. Place the baking sheet on the top rack of your oven directly under the broiler. 

6. Broil the peppers for 8-10 minutes or until they begin to blister and char, giving them a smoky touch. 

7. Using tongs, carefully turn the long hots over and broil for an additional 5-6 minutes to ensure they are evenly cooked. 

8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the peppers cool for a few minutes. 

9. Transfer the long hots to a serving platter and drizzle any remaining olive oil mixture from the baking sheet to add an extra kick. 

10. Serve the spicy long hots as an appetizer or alongside your favorite dishes for a fiery twist. 

Dietary Restrictions

• Gluten-free — This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. 

• Vegan — Although this recipe contains no animal products, please ensure the crushed red pepper flakes are vegan-certified, as some brands may contain hidden ingredients. 

Substitutions

• Long hots — If you cannot find long hots, you can use other varieties of hot peppers, such as jalapenos or serranos. Just be aware that the heat level may vary, so adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes accordingly. 

• Crushed red pepper flakes — If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you want extra heat, increase the quantity to suit your taste. 

Variations

• Stuffed long hots — For an indulgent twist, try stuffing the long hots with a mixture of cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs. Bake or grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a gooey and satisfying treat. 

• Long hots in pasta — Add sliced roasted long hots to your favorite pasta dishes for an extra kick of heat. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a simple yet delicious flavor enhancer. 

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Tongs

Storage

• Refrigerate — If you have any leftovers, transfer the cooled long hots to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Enjoy them cold as a zesty addition to salads, sandwiches, or toppings for grilled meats. 

Pro Tips

• Add a cheesy twist — For cheese lovers, try sprinkling some crumbled feta or grated Parmesan over the roasted long hots before serving. The creamy, tangy flavor perfectly complements the spiciness of the peppers. It's a delightful combination that will keep you coming back for more. 

• Experiment with seasonings — Feel free to get creative with your seasoning choices. Try adding dried herbs like oregano, basil, or even a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the overall flavor profile. Let your taste buds guide you on this flavorful journey.