Peperonata

Recipe by: Rick Rodgers | from Summer Gatherings: Casual Food to Enjoy with Family and Friends

Cookstr

Course: Antipasto/Mezze, Appetizer

Total Time: Under 1 Hour

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Inexpensive

Photo by: Joseph De Leo

One of the most colorful dishes to grace a table, peperonata is a useful blend of sautéed sweet peppers. Just some ideas: Serve it as a component of an antipasti spread, heap it on toasted bread as bruschetta, or top it with grilled salmon or swordfish. Start out with red and yellow peppers, and use whatever other colors your market offers. Keep in mind that chocolate or purple peppers lose their color when cooked, so don’t be disappointed.

Yield: Makes about 2 cups

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 sweet bell peppers preferably 2 each red and yellow, seeded, cored, and cut into ½-inch-wide strips
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon crushed hot red pepper
3 tablespoons bottled capers, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bell peppers and onion and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Uncover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are very tender but hold their shape, about 30 minutes.

2. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and hot red pepper and cook until the garlic gives off its aroma, about 1 minute. Stir in the capers, vinegar, and sugar and cook for 1 minute to blend the flavors. Season to taste with salt. Cool completely. (The peperonata can be prepared up to 1 week ahead, cooled, covered, and refrigerated.) Serve at room temperature.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Nutritional information is based on 16 servings and includes 1/2 teaspoon of added salt.

Calories 27kcal (1%)

Calcium 8mg (1%)

Vitamin C 25mg (41%)

Vitamin A 6mcg RAE (0%)

Potassium 70mg

Magnesium 5mg

Protein 0g

Sugar 1g

Fiber 1g