Description
Peperonata is a classic Italian stewed pepper dish featuring sweet bell peppers simmered with onions, garlic, and ripe tomatoes in olive oil and red wine vinegar. This flavorful side or topping is perfect served warm or at room temperature and garnished with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), sliced into strips
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large ripe tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
Other Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté the onions: Add the thinly sliced onion to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they soften and turn translucent, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the bell peppers: Add the bell pepper strips to the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers begin to soften but still retain some bite.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Incorporate the diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are tender and the sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the peperonata and adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your preferences.
- Serve: Serve the peperonata warm or at room temperature, garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for a colorful presentation and balanced sweetness.
- Stewing the peppers gently allows the flavors to meld and develop depth without losing their texture.
- Can be served as a side dish, topping for grilled meats, or spread on crusty bread.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste even better after the flavors meld overnight.
- To make it vegan and vegetarian friendly, ensure no animal-based ingredients are added.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
