Description
A colorful and flavorful Sicilian peperonata made with sweet peppers, tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies simmered in olive oil and vinegar for a rich, tangy Mediterranean dish. Perfect as a side, appetizer, or served with crusty bread.
Ingredients
1 green sweet pepper, extra large, deseeded and cut into chunks
1 red sweet pepper, extra large, deseeded and cut into chunks
1 yellow sweet pepper, extra large, deseeded and cut into chunks
5 tomatoes, deseeded and chopped
1 handful Italian black olives, deseeded
50 g capers
5 anchovy fillets in oil, drained
1 white onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed with the skin on (discard skin if it comes off)
2 tbsp chopped parsley
3 tbsp white vinegar
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Extra virgin Italian olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Deseed and cut the peppers and tomatoes into medium chunks.
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden.
- Add the tomatoes and peppers. Cook over medium–high heat until they start to soften.
- Add the crushed garlic and cover the pan. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
- Remove the lid and stir in both vinegars and the olives. Cook for another 10 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces and becomes syrupy.
- Stir in anchovies, capers, parsley, and black pepper. Mix well and let rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled with crusty bread or as a side dish.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit anchovies and add extra capers or a dash of soy sauce for umami flavor.
Add toasted pine nuts for crunch or chili flakes for mild heat.
Flavors deepen when made a day ahead—store in the fridge and serve at room temperature.
Avoid freezing, as peppers may soften too much once thawed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 200 g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
