She Strengthens

Unlock the Flavor of Alcaparrado: A Puerto Rican Staple

The Quest for the Perfect Recipe

Imagine my surprise when I couldn’t find a reliable alcaparrado recipe from renowned sources like Daisy Martinez’s website or cookbook. Not even a quick online search yielded a satisfactory result. So, I took matters into my own hands, using the ingredient list from a store-bought version as inspiration. The result is a delicious, easy-to-make condiment perfect for elevating Puerto Rican dishes and beyond.

A Versatile Condiment

Alcaparrado is more than just a Puerto Rican staple; it also makes an excellent olive salad for a Muffuletta sandwich. Simply add some pepperoncini, white onion, and oregano to give it an extra kick. With its rich flavor profile, this condiment is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Easy to Prepare

This recipe is a breeze to make, requiring only 15 minutes of active preparation time. You’ll need just six ingredients, including green olives, capers, red bell pepper, red wine or white vinegar, olive oil, and black pepper.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 10 oz. green ‘alad’ olives, pitted and chopped
• 4 oz. small capers, chopped
• 1/2 fresh red bell pepper, minced (or 4 oz. jarred roasted red pepper, minced)
• 1/2 c. red wine or white vinegar (or more to taste)
• 1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions:

1. Sweat the Pepper: In olive oil, soften the fresh pepper (if using) until tender, or thoroughly blister in a gas flame, steam in a paper bag, then peel.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the vinegar, olives, capers, and black pepper to the pepper mixture. Mix thoroughly.
3. Heat and Simmer: Heat the mixture until just simmering, then remove from heat.

Important Notes:

• Salad Olives: By definition, salad olives are pitted to make your life easier. Be cautious of stuffed olives, as the so-called pimientos can be subpar and should be avoided.
• Roasted Peppers: Opt for good domestic roasted peppers with minimal vinegar. Durkee’s brand in a 28 oz. can is a great option. Avoid small, overpriced jars of pimentos, which often lack flavor.