Mediterranean Color Burst Peppers
This vibrant summer dish, brimming with seasonal peppers, garlic, onions, and juicy tomatoes, is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Perfect as a warm tapa or as a delightful vegetarian topping for pasta or rice, the Mediterranean Color Burst Peppers bring a splash of color and a burst of flavor to any gathering. The fragrant herbs elevate the dish, making it an irresistible addition to your array of tapas. Enjoy this dish warm or at room temperature, ideal for sharing during summer evenings or family meals. It's also a wonderful make-ahead option that tastes even better the next day.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1/3 cup (none)
Green peppers
2 (seeded and cut into thin strips)
Red bell peppers
2 (seeded and cut into thin strips)
Yellow bell peppers
2 (seeded and cut into thin strips)
Garlic cloves
4-6 (crushed)
Red onion
1 medium (thinly sliced)
Parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Cilantro
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes
10 ounces (chopped)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
2
Add the sliced green, red, and yellow peppers along with the red onion to the pan. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly softened.
3
Stir in the crushed garlic, chopped parsley, and cilantro, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Add the chopped tomatoes along with their juices to the mixture. Stir well, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Cover the pan and lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender but still retain a slight crispness. Avoid overcooking.
6
If the sauce is too watery, remove the peppers and onions from the sauce. Boil the liquid rapidly to reduce it until thickened.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before adding the peppers and onions back into the sauce.
8
Serve immediately, or prepare ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Color Burst Peppers?
This is a vibrant summer dish featuring seasonal peppers, garlic, onions, and tomatoes, often served as a tapa or a vegetarian topping.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Mediterranean Color Burst Peppers is a vegetarian dish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What types of peppers are included in this dish?
The recipe calls for green peppers, red bell peppers, and yellow bell peppers.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, it is an excellent make-ahead option and often tastes even better the next day.
What is the recommended way to serve this pepper dish?
It can be served warm as a tapa, at room temperature, or as a topping for pasta and rice.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of olive oil.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies using one medium red onion, thinly sliced.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe suggests using 4 to 6 crushed garlic cloves.
What herbs provide the fragrance for this dish?
Freshly chopped parsley and cilantro are used for fragrance and flavor.
Can I use canned tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either 10 ounces of fresh chopped tomatoes or canned tomatoes.
How long should the peppers simmer?
The peppers should simmer covered for about 20 minutes until tender.
How should I prepare the bell peppers?
The peppers should be seeded and cut into thin strips.
What should I do if the sauce is too watery?
Remove the peppers and onions, then boil the liquid rapidly to reduce and thicken it.
What texture should the peppers have when finished?
The peppers should be tender but still retain a slight crispness; avoid overcooking them.
How much parsley is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley.
How much cilantro is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of chopped cilantro.
What heat level is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The olive oil and vegetables should be heated over medium heat initially.
Do I need to cover the pan while cooking?
Yes, you should cover the pan after adding the tomatoes and lowering the heat to a simmer.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy and colorful side dish.
What is the main cooking fat used?
Olive oil is the primary fat used for cooking this dish.
How long do I cook the garlic and herbs?
The crushed garlic, parsley, and cilantro should be cooked for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Can I serve this as a side dish?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a side dish and a summer dish.
How do I season the dish?
Season with salt and pepper to taste after adding the tomatoes.
How many different colors of peppers are used?
Three colors are used: green, red, and yellow.
Is the red onion cooked until soft?
The onion is cooked for 2-3 minutes initially until slightly softened before other ingredients are added.
Should I include the tomato juices?
Yes, add the chopped tomatoes along with their juices to the mixture.
What category of food does this fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Peppers.
Can I reheat this dish?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving.
Is this dish spicy?
The recipe does not specify spicy ingredients, though you can adjust the pepper seasoning to your preference.