Print

Peperonata Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 1 review

Peperonata is a vibrant Italian dish featuring sweet bell peppers slow-simmered with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. This colorful and flavorful stewed vegetable medley makes a perfect side, a pasta sauce, or a topping for crusty bread, highlighting a rich blend of Mediterranean ingredients.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 2 red bell peppers, sliced
  • 2 yellow bell peppers, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • ½ cup onions, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

Liquids and Sauces

  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 1.5 cups passata
  • 5 oz tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat Olive Oil: Warm the olive oil in a pan over medium heat until it is hot but not smoking, preparing the base for sautéing the vegetables.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped garlic, diced onions, and sliced red and yellow bell peppers to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers and onions begin to soften and their natural sweetness is released.
  3. Add Tomato Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste, passata, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Simmer the Peperonata: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Incorporate Herbs: Mix in the oregano and fresh basil, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to infuse the herbs’ fresh aroma into the dish.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm as a side dish, pasta sauce, or a topping for bread.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To freeze, cool the peperonata completely; however, freezing may slightly alter the texture.
  • Serve the peperonata over your favorite pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.
  • For variation, substitute parsley for basil if preferred.
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat to the dish.