Red Pepper Paste (Massa de Pimentão)

1. Wash peppers and remove the stems, seeds and white ribbing.
2. Cut the peppers into about 1 inch thick strips.
3. Place a layer of pepper strips into the bottom of a bowl and generously sprinkle with salt. Repeat with the rest of the pepper strips, salting in between each layer. Cover tightly and leave out at room temperature for at least 12 hours.
4. Pre-heat the oven to 325ºF.
5. Drain the peppers of any excess liquid. Put the peppers into a baking dish or tray to slow roast for 2 hours in the oven.
6. Remove the peppers and allow them to cool to room temperature.
7. Once cooled, remove the outside skin from the peppers.
8. Place the peeled pepper strips and peeled garlic cloves into a food processor or blender.
9. Blend the peppers for 30 seconds to make a thick paste, add in half the olive oil and Vinho Tinto and then blend again for another 30 seconds. Add the rest of the oil and Portuguese red wine to the pepper paste and blend for another minute until smooth.
10. Place in a sealed jar and refrigerate.

Recipe Credit: easyportugueserecipes.com

Photo Credit: grafe-e-faca.com