Traditional Peperonata Recipes

TRADITIONAL PEPERONATA RECIPE

Steps:

• Slice the leek in half lengthwise and reserve half for later. Slice up the other half and rinse it well in a bowl of cold water. Scoop the leeks out of the water and dry them well on a tea towel.
• Warm up a large skillet on medium low flame. Add 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and the leeks with a pinch of sea salt. Saute for about 10 minutes until they start to get some color. Add the re pepper flakes.
• Rinse and cut the bell peppers into 1 inch pieces. Add them to the skillet with the leeks and give everything a good stir.
• Slice the red onion into 1 inch pieces as well and add it to the skillet. Stir well and cook everything together for about 10 minutes until the peppers start to soften and get some color.
• Meanwhile wash and cut the tomatoes into wedges or similar size pieces with the peppers.
• Add the minced garlic to the pan and give everything a good stir. Cook 30 seconds then add the tomatoes. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and cover with a lid. Cook another 5 minutes or so until the tomatoes burst and release their juices.
• Squeeze the juice from half a lemon to the Peperonata, taste and adjust seasonings with more sea salt and lemon juice.
• Remove from heat and finish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive and sprinkle with the fresh basil, chives and oregano.
• Serve with crusty bread, creamy polenta, toss with your favorite short pasta or cous cous.

PEPERONATA

Steps:

• Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat.
• Reduce the heat, and add the onion and garlic. Cook over very low heat for 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened but still pale.
• Meanwhile, cut the peppers in half lengthwise, removing the stem, seeds and internal filaments. Cut into strips and add to the pan. Mix well.
• Cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• While the peppers are cooking, blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 3 minutes, drain and plunge into ice water, then peel, seed and dice.
• Add the diced tomatoes to the peppers along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well, cover and simmer over low heat for 1 hour. Stir regularly to ensure the peppers don't stick to the bottom of the pan.
• Cooking will be complete when the mixture tends to consolidate on the wooden spoon.
• At the end of cooking, increase the heat if necessary to reduce the liquid.
• Adjust the seasoning and add basil and oregano.
• Enjoy hot, warm, or cold.

PEPERONATA

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onions and garlic; cook and stir until soft and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
• Stir potatoes, tomatoes, red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, water, tomato paste, capers, and basil into the pot. Cook until potatoes and peppers are soft, adding more water if needed, about 45 minutes. Season with pepper.