ZITI WITH ROASTED PEPPERS, GREEN OLIVES, AND SPICY SALAMI

Ziti with Roasted Peppers, Green Olives, and Spicy Salami image

Yield Makes 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 large red bell pepper
1 large yellow bell pepper
1 large green bell pepper
2 garlic cloves
1 small shallot, halved
1 cup pitted green olives in brine, drained
1 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
1 pound ziti
4 ounces 1/8-inch-thick slices spicy salami, cut into matchstick-size strips
1 cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Char bell peppers directly over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose peppers in paper bag and cool completely. Peel, stem, and seed peppers. Cut peppers lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide strips.
With machine running, drop garlic and shallot through processor feed tube and chop coarsely. Add olives, parsley, olive oil, and oregano and chop finely. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Peppers and olive mixture can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate separately. Bring to room temperature before continuing.)
Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain well. Return pasta to pot; stir in peppers and olive mixture. Add salami and cheese; toss to combine. Serve warm or let stand at room temperature up to 2 hours.
Buyer's guide:
Look for brined green olives (not canned) in bins or jars in the supermarket's deli section. Spicy salami is widely available at Italian delis and at some supermarkets. The test kitchen used Piller's Caliente Salamil call 323-588-2100 or go to pillers.com to find a store in your area.