5 Creative Ways to Use Black Pepper to Spice Up Your Winter Pasta Dishes

Winter is the season for warm and comforting dishes that tickle your tastebuds and keep you cozy. One of the most versatile spices that can add depth and warmth to your winter meals is black pepper. Not only is it a kitchen staple, but black pepper has many health benefits as well as a unique, satisfying flavour. Black pepper is known for its bold flavour and can add sweetness to both savoury and sweet dishes. Whether you’re looking for a hearty pasta dish or a spiced soup, black pepper can be used to enhance a wide range of winter dishes. So, grab your ingredients and savour the aromatic and delicious flavour of these five winter recipes.

CREAMY BLACK PEPPER PASTA

Ingredients:

250g pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Salt to taste

How To Make:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions.

Heat the butter in a separate pan and season with black pepper. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and stir to combine. Dip the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce and season with salt. Serve hot.

SPICY BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN SOUP

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, and bell peppers)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Salt to taste

How To Make:
Heat up some olive oil in a large pot and saute vegetables until tender. Add shredded chicken and chicken broth to the pot and season with black pepper. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes and season with salt and enjoy a delicious bowl of Black Pepper Chicken Soup.

HONEY BLACK PEPPER ROASTED VEGETABLES

Ingredients:

Assorted winter vegetables (carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Salt to taste

How To Make:

Heat the oven up to 400ºF (200ºC). Dip the vegetables in the olive oil and honey mixture, then season with black pepper and salt. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and caramelised.

BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN STIR-FRY

Ingredients:

500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon black pepper (crushed)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, etc.)

How To Make:

Marinate the Chicken in soy sauce and oyster sauce for 15 minutes, then add the mixed vegetables to the wok or pan. Stir-fry until the vegetables are nice and tender, and season with black pepper if needed. Serve the stir-fried chicken with rice or noodles.

PEPPERCORN GINGERBREAD COOKIES

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup molasses

1 large egg

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How To Make:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.