Simple sweet pepper stew

Are you looking for the perfect side dish for your dinner? Sweet pepper stew, or ‘peperonata’, is the one for you considering that it consists of readily available vegetables in a recipe which is very easy to make. Combine the peppers with red tomatoes and fresh basil to create the perfect dish for eating with some good quality crusty bread. This sweet pepper stew can be served during summer, because this is when peppers are in season, but also at other times of the year. All that’s left for you to do is buy your favourite varieties - you can choose between red, yellow and green, big or sweet - and then have fun in the kitchen with our recipe, creating a tasty, delicious and colourful side dish. Follow our recipe step-by-step!

Wash the peppers, cut them in half and remove the seeds. Cut lengthwise into lots of strips. Lightly brown the garlic in the oil for a few minutes, add the peppers and cook for about 15 minutes to soften them. Mix in the washed halved tomatoes, cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the lid, add salt and reduce most of the liquid. Moments before removing from the heat, add the chopped basil. Serve immediately accompanied with slices of bread.

How to Prepare Stewed Peppers: Traditional Recipe and Variations

Stewed peppers is one of the classic dishes of Italian cuisine, loved for its intense flavor and simplicity. It is a preparation made from peppers cooked with tomatoes and other ingredients, which varies depending on the region or family tradition. There are many versions, from the classic stewed peppers recipe to ones with potatoes, or even with eggplants. In this article, we show you how to make the original stewed peppers recipe, as well as some popular variations and useful tips to enjoy this dish to the fullest.

Variations of Stewed Peppers

There are several variations of peperonata that differ in the addition of other ingredients or different cooking techniques. Let’s explore some of the most popular versions:

Stewed Peppers with Potatoes

Stewed peppers with potatoes is a much-loved variation where diced potatoes are added to the basic preparation. To achieve a perfectly balanced dish, it's important to cook the potatoes along with the peppers so they absorb all the flavors of the sauce. The stewed peppers with potatoes recipe is ideal as a hearty side dish or a light main course.

Stewed Peppers with Eggplant
Another tasty variation is stewed peppers with eggplant, where diced eggplant is added to the peppers to create a mix of Mediterranean flavors. The stewed peppers with eggplant recipe is perfect for those who enjoy flavorful vegetarian dishes.

Stewed Peppers in the Thermomix
For those who own a Thermomix, stewed peppers in the Thermomix is a convenient and fast option. With this appliance, you can reduce cooking times without compromising the flavor. The stewed peppers Thermomix recipe only requires adding the ingredients to the Thermomix and letting it cook for about 30 minutes.

Stewed Peppers in Oil and Other Preserves
An interesting way to preserve stewed peppers is to prepare them in oil. Stewed peppers in oil are perfect to have this delicious side dish ready at any time of the year. After cooking the stewed peppers, let them cool completely and transfer them to sterilized jars, covering them with extra virgin olive oil. Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool, dry place. This method allows you to extend the shelf life of the stewed peppers for several months.

Other interesting preserves include stewed peppers in jars, similar to the version in oil, and sweet-and-sour stewed peppers, where sugar and vinegar add a contrasting touch to the natural sweetness of the peppers.

Light Stewed Peppers and Other Alternatives

For those mindful of their diet, it's possible to prepare light stewed peppers. This version uses less oil and involves baking or pan-cooking with minimal seasoning. Light stewed peppers retain all the flavor of the original dish, but with reduced calories.

Stewed Peppers with Sausage
If you prefer a richer version, try stewed peppers with sausage. In this case, the sausages are cooked along with the peppers and tomato sauce, making the dish a complete and flavorful second course.

Baked Stewed Peppers and Air Fryer Stewed Peppers
Another interesting alternative is baked stewed peppers, which allows you to reduce the amount of oil used. Additionally, for those with an air fryer, air-fried stewed peppers are a modern and healthy option that ensures a crispy and light result.

Nutritional Information and Calories of peperonata

Stewed peppers is a nutritious dish rich in vitamins, thanks to the presence of peppers. However, it’s also important to consider the calories in stewed peppers, especially for those following a low-calorie diet. On average, one serving of stewed peppers contains around 150-200 calories, but the amount can vary depending on the ingredients used, such as oil and potatoes. For those looking for an even lighter option, stewed peppers without tomatoes is an interesting alternative, eliminating acidity and reducing calories.

In conclusion, peperonata is an extremely versatile dish, adaptable to different needs and tastes. Whether it's the classic stewed peppers recipe, the version with potatoes or eggplant, or a light variation, this side dish remains one of the most beloved dishes in Italian culinary tradition. Thanks to its simplicity and unique flavor, stewed peppers continue to be one of the most passed down and loved family recipes throughout the country.