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I thought I bought capers, but...

11 years ago

But when I got home, I discovered they were Green Peppercorns. I was at a very fun little Italian grocery store, milling around, and saw a large jar of what I thought was capers. Great, I thought, this might last a while. My son, you see, likes to snack on capers, so a jar doesn't last very long.

They have a very unusual flavor, one that changes, progresses, as you chew. The taste is very hard to describe. tart, hot, in a mellow sort of way, with almost a petroleum aftertaste which I didn't care for, but then that went away, and I was left with a pickle-y sort of taste in my mouth that was pleasant.

So, what do y'all do with pickled green peppercorns?

Sally

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Comments (7)

User
11 years ago
Sally, I use green peppercorns in sauces/gravies. And I sub them for capers when I make my version of
. Wonderful in the sauce for

The only thing I don't mind capers on is smoked salmon. And the Tuna Pate that I make.

But I don't buy the peppercorns in brine. I buy the dry green peppercorns. I don't like the flavour that pickled/brined green peppercorns add to the mix.

I would suggest that you rinse them well before using.
jadeite
11 years ago
Sally, I've made exactly the same mistake! I now have several jars of green peppercorns which I use sparingly, while we use capers regularly in pan bagnat.

Like Ann, I use the green peppercorns in sauces. I make a very simple pan-seared pork chop, then deglaze with wine or stock, and add a tablespoon of mashed green peppercorns. It's quick and adds a nice spiciness which goes well with the meat.

I seldom eat beef, but green peppercorns are often used with steaks and roasts. I'm sure you could make a nice sauce to go over hamburger patties or meat loaf as well.

Cheryl

This post was edited by jadeite on Tue, Feb 26, 13 at 12:09
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Gee - a mouse? Really? I didn’t think mice ate greens? We’re going to stop at the store today and get some mice traps and see if that answers the question. Haven’t seen any evidence of any or heard anything that would make us suspect we had one in the house, but, I suppose that doesn’t guarantee anything. Is there such a thing as ‘one’ mouse? [g] Have never seen a roach in 35 years in this house. I may also cover them over with agribon at night, but it could be they are doing it during the day, I can’t tell. Should I keep the agribon over them when they are under the lights? Hurry up spring, so I can get these out of the house! HereWeGoAgain - I don't think it's a rule not to have lights and a heating pad going at the same time. I guess it depends on how warm it is under your lights. Plus I have a fan going on the seedlings so that cools off the space too.
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compumom
11 years ago
Thanks for asking this question! I made the same mistake and opened the jar so it's now residing in the fridge.
Okay I'll rinse them, i didn't care for the taste out of the jar. Ann, you turned me on to dried green peppercorns and I use them quite a bit, usually ground in the peppermill.
I'm looking forward to more ideas how to use up this brined variety!
sally2_gw
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks everyone. I'm glad I'm not the only one that didn't read the label carefully.

After tasting the one I did, I figured I'd have to rinse them before using them. I rinse capers, too.

I don't eat meat, but occasionally I'll fix some for the rest of the family. I actually wonder if there might be some cheeses they would be good with.

Sally
eileenlaunonen
11 years ago
If you have a good peppercorn sauce deglaze with Irish whiskey it makes a wonderful sauce that some call Guinness Sauce...why I don't know but its awesome over steak!
Lars
11 years ago
I have also bought green peppercorns thinking they were capers. I ground them up in a mortar & pestle and added garlic, salt, and dill to make a paste. Then I added lemon juice and combined it with mayo/sour cream to make a sauce. Normally I make this sauce with black peppercorns, but the green ones work well and complement the dill flavor. You might be able to make this in a blender, but I don't know how well it will grind the peppercorns.

Lars

The sauce is good with fish or chicken, but I also use it as a dip for potato chips or put it on roasted potatoes.

This post was edited by publickman on Thu, Feb 28, 13 at 19:46
sally2_gw
Original Author
11 years ago
That sounds good, Lars. So does yours, Eileen.

I will try that next time I roast veggies and potatoes, Lars.

Sally

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