Italian Peppers and Onions (Peperonata)
Peperonata is a simple Italian antipasto made with sweet bell peppers, onions and tomatoes that slowly cook in olive oil until sweet and jammy. This simple appetizer is perfect with crusty bread.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 116kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 sweet yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 large red or orange bell peppers seeded and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped + Extra for garnish
- Flaky salt for garnish
- Crusty baguette slices for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant and lightly sizzling.
- Add the sliced onions and cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Cover the pan for a few minutes to give the onions a head start, then remove the lid and continue sautéing.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and season with salt and pepper. Stir and cook for about 6-8 minutes, letting the vegetables soften and caramelize slightly.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices and the mixture becomes glossy and slightly jammy.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the red wine vinegar and chopped basil.
- Transfer to a wide bowl and garnish with flaky salt with extra basil. Serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread for scooping.
Notes
- Cook in stages so everything finishes at the same time.
- Keep the garlic lightly golden, not browned.
- Cover onions briefly to help them soften.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with crusty breadSpoon over burrata or ricotta.
- Add to pizza or toss with pasta.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or sausage.
Nutrition
Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 327mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2199IU | Vitamin C: 90mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg