Stewed peppers
Peperonata
Peperonata is a traditional dish in Italian cuisine, particularly popular in the southern regions such as Sicily, Calabria, and Puglia. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that combines bell peppers in various colors, typically red, yellow, and green, cooked with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and various herbs like basil or oregano.
The history of peperonata is closely tied to the spread of bell peppers in Italy, which were introduced to Europe after the discovery of the Americas in the 15th century. Bell peppers quickly became popular in Mediterranean regions for their distinctive flavor and culinary versatility.
Over the centuries, peperonata has evolved into different regional variants. In some versions, ingredients like olives, capers, or eggplants are added. In others, it is served cold as an appetizer or side dish, while in some variations it is consumed hot, often accompanied by meat or fish.
Peperonata is a classic example of Italian cuisine that emphasizes the freshness and quality of ingredients. With its combination of the sweetness of the peppers and the intensity of aromatic herbs, it represents a dish that has won over palates worldwide.
What’s needed
Tools
1 pot
Ingredients (300 gr total)
4 bell peppers
1 onion
7 oz tomato puree
1 clove of garlic
Extravergin olive oil
How To
To prepare a delicious pepper side dish, begin by thoroughly cleaning the peppers under running water. Next, arrange them on an oven tray lined with parchment paper and roast in a preheated oven at 355°F for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to rotate them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once they are roasted, take them out of the oven and let them cool down. After cooling, proceed to remove the seeds and the white parts, and then cut the peppers into 1-inch slices.
In a separate pot, heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté these for a few minutes until they become fragrant. Then, add the sliced peppers to the pot. Continue cooking for a few more minutes, after which you should remove the garlic. At this point, add the tomato puree to the mixture.
Set your stove to medium heat and stir the mixture for about 20 minutes. This process will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Once done, the dish is ready to be served warm as a side, offering a rich and flavorful complement to any main course.
