Italian long hot peppers have become a beloved staple in the Philadelphia area, known for their delicious flavor and versatility. Whether they’re used as a topping in hoagies, roasted and enjoyed on their own, or stuffed as an appetizer, these peppers never fail to please the taste buds.
What exactly are these peppers?
Italian long hot peppers are a local favorite in Philadelphia and can be found in many produce and grocery stores across the area. However, they are not as easily accessible outside of this region. These peppers, simply known as “Italian long hots,” are a type of Capsicum annuum species and are considered hybrid peppers.
Growing Italian long hots is a breeze! They thrive in sunny conditions and don’t require excessive watering. In fact, a couple of plants can yield around two dozen peppers each.
General characteristics
Italian long hot peppers typically measure around 6 to 9 inches in length and have thick walls. One of their defining features is their varying heat levels, measured on the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale. This variation in spiciness has earned them the nickname “Russian roulette” of peppers. Some Italian long hots can be as mild as a Poblano pepper (1000 to 1500 SHU), while others can reach the heat of a Jalapeno (2500 to 8000 SHU).
Due to their wide range of heat levels, Italian long hot peppers are not extensively produced or readily available in the USA. However, this unpredictability is part of their appeal, making every bite a delightful surprise.
Substitutions
While there are no direct substitutes for Italian long hot peppers, there are several varieties of the Capsicum annuum species that you can consider. These include Anaheim peppers, Banana peppers, Cowhorn peppers, Cubanelle peppers, Friggitelli, Mesilla peppers, Poblano peppers, and Portuguese long hot peppers. Each of these peppers has its own unique flavor profile and heat level.
Overview of cooking
Cooking Italian long hots is simple and straightforward. Most people prefer to cook them directly on the stove in a pan with a little olive oil and salt. Alternatively, you can roast them in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes. The choice is yours!
How to serve
Italian long hot peppers are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve them alone with bread, perhaps with a slice of provolone cheese.
- Use them as a delicious topping for Italian hoagies, cheesesteaks, roast beef sandwiches, or Italian roast pork sandwiches.
- Chop them up and add them to pasta sauce, pizza, or even fried calamari.
- Incorporate them into scrambled eggs and serve them on a hoagie roll.
- For a more indulgent option, stuff them with sausage and cheese, creating a mouthwatering appetizer.
Where to buy
If you’re in the Philadelphia area, finding Italian long hot peppers is a breeze as they are widely available in local stores. However, if you’re located outside of this region, you may have more difficulty finding them. In that case, consider purchasing Italian long hot seeds online. Alternatively, you can also find the peppers already cooked and jarred from retailers like Mancini or gourmet Italian groceries available online.
More appetizer ideas…
Looking for more appetizer inspiration? Here are a few ideas to tickle your taste buds:
- Fried Calamari
- Roasted Red Peppers
- Caprese Salad Bites
- Black Bean Salad
To learn more about Italian long hot peppers and explore exciting recipes, visit Ekilove.
📖 Recipe
Unfortunately, the recipe is not included in the original article.
Article based on original content from Feeling Foodish
