Mediterranean Braised Sweet Peppers
Discover the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with this delightful Mediterranean Braised Sweet Peppers recipe. This colorful dish features a medley of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, slow-cooked in rich olive oil and infused with aromatic garlic and onion. Enhanced with a splash of tangy red wine vinegar, it's perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or filling for sandwiches. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a delicious addition to your dining table. Share this flavorful creation with family and friends for a truly memorable meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red bell peppers
2 (Cored, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch strips)
Yellow bell pepper
1 (Cored, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch strips)
Orange bell pepper
1 (Cored, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch strips)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (For sautéing)
Garlic cloves
4 (Sliced thin crosswise)
White onion
1/2 medium (Sliced thin)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Freshly ground black pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (For finishing the dish)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the bell peppers: core, seed, and slice them into 1/4-inch strips. Set aside.
2
In a 4-quart saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
3
Add the sliced bell peppers, garlic, and onion to the pan. Stir to combine, then add 1/2 cup of water.
4
Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir again to distribute the seasonings.
5
Cover the saucepan partially with a lid and allow the peppers to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 hour or until they are soft and tender.
6
Once the peppers have softened, stir in the red wine vinegar, allowing it to meld with the other ingredients.
7
Transfer the stewed peppers to a serving bowl. You can serve them warm or at room temperature, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Braised Sweet Peppers?
They are a vibrant medley of bell peppers slow-cooked in olive oil with garlic, onion, and a splash of red wine vinegar.
What types of peppers are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two red bell peppers, one yellow bell pepper, and one orange bell pepper.
How should the bell peppers be prepared?
The peppers should be cored, seeded, and sliced into 1/4-inch strips.
How long does it take to cook the peppers?
The peppers need to cook for about 1 hour or until they are soft and tender.
What kind of oil is recommended for this dish?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for its rich flavor and authentic Mediterranean profile.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and suitable for a vegan diet.
What role does the red wine vinegar play?
Red wine vinegar is added at the end to provide a tangy finish that balances the sweetness of the peppers.
Can I serve this dish warm or cold?
These braised peppers can be served warm or at room temperature.
How should the garlic be cut?
The four garlic cloves should be sliced thin crosswise.
Why is water added to the pan?
Adding 1/2 cup of water helps stew the peppers and keeps them moist during the long cooking process.
What type of onion is used in the recipe?
The recipe specifies 1/2 of a medium white onion, sliced thin.
Should I cover the pan while cooking?
Yes, the saucepan should be partially covered with a lid while the peppers simmer.
What are some ways to serve these peppers?
They are perfect as a side dish, an appetizer, or as a flavorful filling for sandwiches.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What size saucepan should I use?
A 4-quart saucepan is the ideal size for this quantity of peppers.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper after adding the peppers, garlic, onion, and water to the pan.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished peppers with fresh herbs if desired.
What is the heat setting for the initial sauté?
The oil should be heated over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Are there any specific seasonings besides salt and pepper?
The main flavors come from the garlic, onion, and red wine vinegar; salt and pepper are the only dry spices used.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
No, because it uses only plant-based ingredients, it is cholesterol-free.
How many bell peppers in total do I need?
You will need a total of four bell peppers: two red, one yellow, and one orange.
Can I use green bell peppers?
While the recipe specifies red, yellow, and orange for their sweetness, you can use green, though the flavor will be less sweet.
What is the final texture of the peppers?
The peppers should be very soft and tender after an hour of braising.
Is this dish considered a healthy choice?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dish as it is made with fresh vegetables and heart-healthy olive oil.
How often should I stir the peppers?
You should stir the peppers occasionally throughout the hour-long cooking process.
Is there any added sugar?
No, there is no added sugar; the sweetness comes naturally from the bell peppers themselves.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The profile is savory and sweet with a tangy acidity from the vinegar.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep as it tastes excellent even at room temperature.
Is this a traditional Mediterranean method?
Yes, slow-braising vegetables in olive oil is a classic Mediterranean cooking technique.