Pimientos de Padrón

Pimientos de Padrón are one of the oldest non-hybrid peppers. As the story goes, Franciscan monks brought them to Spain from Mexico in the 18th century. They gained a name for themselves in the town of Padrón in the northwestern province of Galicia. On a recent visit to Spain I discovered these tasty little peppers, which are typically sweeter than they are spicy. However, it's said that every 1 in 5 is hot, which makes eating them fun - in a culinary russian roulette kind of way. They are a favorite in tapas bars.

These peppers came from the Portland Farmer's Mkt by way of Viridian Farms. I'm going to lightly sear them in olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy them tonight with a glass of chilled rosé.