PEPERONATA: ITALIAN STEWED PEPPERS)

Peperonata is a traditional Italian side dish made with sweet peppers, onions, and tomatoes slowly simmered in olive oil until tender and flavorful.

This vibrant dish captures the essence of Mediterranean simplicity — just a few fresh Italian ingredients cooked with love.

It can be served warm or at room temperature, as a side to meats, fish, or simply enjoyed with crusty bread.

Servings & Cooking Time

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 large bell peppers (red and yellow, about 2 pounds), sliced into strips

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (preferably Italian)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium ripe tomatoes (about 1 cup chopped) or 1 cup Italian canned peeled tomatoes, chopped

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• Optional: a few fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and slice the peppers into thin strips. Thinly slice the onion and chop the tomatoes.

2. Sauté the base: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking gently until softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes).

3. Add the peppers: Stir in the sliced peppers and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

4. Simmer with tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are tender and the sauce is thickened.

5. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley (and basil if desired). Serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread.

Tips & Tricks

• Use a mix of red and yellow peppers for the most authentic sweet flavor and vibrant color.

• For a richer taste, add a splash of Italian white wine before simmering.

• Peperonata tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, 4 servings)

PEPERONATA: ITALIAN STEWED PEPPERS

Sweet Italian peppers stewed with onions and tomatoes for the ultimate Mediterranean side dish! 🇮🇹 Simple, authentic, and bursting with flavor. Perfect with bread or as a side!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Notes

Ingredients

• 3 large bell peppers (red and yellow, about 2 pounds), sliced into strips
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (preferably Italian)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium ripe tomatoes (about 1 cup chopped) or 1 cup Italian canned peeled tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: a few fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and slice the peppers into thin strips. Thinly slice the onion and chop the tomatoes.
2. Sauté the base: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking gently until softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the peppers: Stir in the sliced peppers and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
4. Simmer with tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are tender and the sauce is thickened.
5. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley (and basil if desired). Serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread.

Keyword peperonata recipe, Italian stewed peppers, Italian side dish, authentic Italian recipes, bell pepper recipes, vegetarian Italian recipes, Italian summer dishes