Description
Peperonata is a classic Italian stewed pepper dish made with colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, gently simmered in olive oil and flavored with red wine vinegar and oregano. This versatile vegan and gluten-free side dish can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it perfect alongside grilled bread, pasta, or as a complement to fish or meat dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced into strips
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped or 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook the peppers: Stir in the sliced bell peppers and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers begin to soften.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma without burning.
- Combine remaining ingredients: Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or canned crushed tomatoes), red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the peppers to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust consistency: Remove the lid and cook for a few more minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the peperonata warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- Peperonata tastes great on its own as a side dish or served over grilled bread.
- It pairs wonderfully with pasta or as a flavorful accompaniment to fish or meat dishes.
- The dish can be made ahead of time and often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
