Peperonata
Traditional Peperonata is a classic Italian recipe that makes the most of tasty summer vegetables. Colorful and intensely flavorsome, this vegetable stew is exactly what Italian cuisine is all about – simple, delicious ingredients!
You might be wondering what is Peperonata? This rustic vegetable stew known as peperonata, is popular throughout Italy and there are many variations. Based on bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes slowly simmered until fragrant and meltingly soft, peperonata is a summer favorite to which other vegetables can be added.
This is a side dish recipe but it’s also a sauce recipe. Plus peperonata can be used as a topping on crusty bread like bruschetta.
This is Nonna Lucia’s peperonata recipe and it’s the best I’ve ever tasted. Maybe it’s because she never held back on the olive oil or maybe it’s because she never really measured anything, either way, it’s amazing!
This versatile vegetable stew recipe can be made in advance and reheated to serve hot or served at room temperature. Peperonata is particularly good with my Italian chicken cutlets but we also enjoy it as a light lunch with a chunk of focaccia. Whichever way you serve this peperonata, your taste buds are going to be taken on an amazing and delicious journey!
For complete ingredient quantities and full instructions, please scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Ingredients
- Bell peppers – Also known as simply capsicums in Australia, New Zealand, and India or red or yellow peppers in Britain. Choose red, yellow, or orange ones. A sweeter peperonata will be achieved with the inclusion of red bell peppers. Select ones that are heavy for their size and don’t have wrinkled skin or bruising.
- Onion – Yellow or brown onions are my preference however red or white onions can also be used.
- Tomato passata – As I always say, quality matters. Better quality tomato passata is thicker and richer which means a better result in the end. Be sure to read the “Substitutions” section for more information on what else you can use.
- Garlic – Fresh, plump garlic cloves give a flavor that bottled minced garlic and garlic powder can’t so this is definitely a case of fresh is best.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Peperonata really shines when made with delicious olive oil. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive, just a decent supermarket variety will be fine.
- Sugar – A little white sugar to bring out the sweetness of the bell peppers.
- White wine vinegar – You’ll find that just a dash of acidity enhances the flavor of peperonata. No white wine vinegar? Check out “Substitutions” below.
- Salt – This is an ingredient that definitely varies depending on your tastes. Remember that the right amount of salt is a personal preference but if a dish seems bland (not that peperonata could ever be accused of that!) adding a little extra salt usually does the trick in bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper – I like a little bit of black pepper but this is entirely optional.
Instructions
Please note that the numbered instructions below correspond to the numbered instruction photograph above.
This peperonata is so easy and will cook in just minutes. These are the basic instructions. You’ll find the full recipe instructions below in the recipe card.
- Gently saute the onions in extra virgin olive oil and a good pinch of salt.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and garlic and continue to cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the tomato passata, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove the lid, stir in half the sugar and white wine vinegar, and simmer for a few minutes before tasting and adjusting the seasonings.
Substitutions
- Bell peppers – sweet long peppers can be used instead.
- Tomato passata – use ⅓ cup of concentrated tomato paste together with ⅔ cup water instead of tomato passata.
- White wine vinegar – balsamic vinegar is a good substitution.
Variations
Variations on the classic peperonata can be found throughout Italy and all versions are delicious!
- Add thickly sliced zucchini or thick fingers of eggplant when frying the bell peppers.
- Stir in ½ inch cubes of peeled potatoes when adding the tomato passata and continue with the recipe.
- If you like a spicy peperonata, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- A little dried oregano can be added together with the tomato passata.
- When the peperonata is ready, remove from the heat and stir through some chopped fresh basil leaves.
Storage
Keep the peperonata in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-5 days. It can be served cold or reheated in a pan or microwave until hot.
Tips for Success
- Keep in mind that green bell peppers can be bitter. Red bell peppers are the sweetest with yellow and orange bell peppers being sweet but less sweet than the red variety. When making peperonata use only red, orange, or yellow ones for the sweetest result.
- Cooking time will vary depending on the bell peppers. Some are more tender and will cook quickly, others will take longer to cook. Also it depends on how soft you like the bell peppers.
- If you find bell peppers hard to digest, peel before cooking. Alternatively, use roasted bell peppers to prepare the peperonata.
- Maintain the low heat so that the vegetables don’t burn and or dry out.
- I can’t stress enough to taste as you are cooking. Salt is a personal preference. Just add half as I’ve indicated in the recipe then taste. You can always add a little more if you think it needs it. I like the full amount of salt but you may not.
FAQ
Keep any leftover peperonata in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
While I have never frozen peperonata, (it never lasts that long in my house! It is possible to freeze peperonata. Keep in mind that the texture may be altered as are many vegetables that are frozen.
Yes, this recipe doubles easily. You may need to cook it for a little longer for the bell peppers to become tender.
What can I serve peperonata with?
- Peperonata is excellent with grilled steak, pork, or Italian chicken cutlets.
- Stir it through pasta for a delicious peperonata sauce.
- Make an irresistible appetizer with cheeses, salami, and crusty bread.
- Top crusty slices of bread for a super tasty bruschetta.
- Serve with the fried Italian sandwiches known as mozzarella in carrozza – so yummy!
The possibilities are endless. I’m sure you’ll find many other ways to enjoy this super tasty dish.
Made this recipe?
Please let me know if you liked it by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating and a review below. And remember to subscribe to my newsletter – it’s free!
Peperonata Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) red bell peppers (capsicum) See Note 1
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion See Note 2
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 1 cup tomato puree (passata)
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt divided
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the bell peppers (capsicum) in half and remove seeds and white membranes. Cut into ¼ inch (6 mm) strips.
- Peel onion and slice thinly.
- Peel garlic then chopped finely.
- Place a skillet or frying pan over medium low heat. Add olive oil and onions.
- Cook gently and stir occasionally, breaking up the onion slices with a wooden spoon until beginning to soften. This will take about 5 minutes then add garlic.
- Continue to cook gently for another 5 minutes until onions are soft and melting – not allowing onions and garlic to color.
- Add sliced bell peppers (capsicum), stir well and fry gently for 10 minutes.
- Add tomato puree (passata) and half the salt and black pepper. Stir well, cover and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the lid and stir in the white wine vinegar and sugar.
- Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes or so until the sauce is thickened a little and bell peppers (capsicum) have softened and are tender.
- Taste and add a further ¼ teaspoon salt, if needed.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Peppers – My preference is for red bell peppers but you can choose red, yellow or orange ones. A sweeter peperonata will be achieved with the inclusion of red bell peppers.
- Onions – Yellow or brown onions are my preference however red or white onions can also be used.
- Cooking time will vary depending on the bell peppers. The peppers should be soft but not falling apart.
- If you find bell peppers hard to digest, peel before cooking. Alternatively use roasted bell peppers to prepare the peperonata.
- Keep the heat medium low and adjust if necessary. You don’t want the vegetable to burn.
- Taste and adjust the salt according to your preference.
Nutritional Estimate Per Serving
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For accurate results, it is recommended that the nutritional information be calculated based on the ingredients and brands you use.
This post was originally published on November 16, 2017. It has been updated with new photos, more information and improved recipe.
I had peppers and onions and wondered what I could make with them to compliment Chilean Sea Bass. I fortunately found this recipe and it sounded delicious so I gave it a try. Oh my! It is scrumptious! My husband and I enjoyed it immensely with our pan seared sea bass. I can imagine how wonderful it would be on bruschetta, which we will try next.
The directions were clear and easy to follow.
Thank you for an absolutely wonderful recipe!
Paula, that sounds an amazing combination – pan seared sea bass with peperonata! Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know what you thought. Yes, on bruschetta…wonderful!!
As always Marcellina, your recipe is spot on and has, yet again, brought Italy to our table. The taste is exactly as it is there, I didn t know about the vinegar and the sugar which makes a big difference. Thanks to you and your recipe with San Marzano tomatoes, I now make the best tomato sauce ever and everybody loves it. For more than 30 years I ve strugled with making a good basic tomato sauce and now I make it every week, to my husband s great happiness. So thank you for all your excellent yet simple and doable recipes. With love from Belgium.
Marie-gabriëlle, that is one of the loveliest comments ever! It touches my heart because both of these recipes were taught to me by two very dear people in my life. Nonna (actually my husband’s nonna) was a wealth of culinary knowledge and yes, her peperonata is amazing! I’m thrilled you loved it too. My late cousin Claudio taught me the amazing recipe for the best tomato sauce ever and I so happy to share it with you and all my readers. It’s wonderful to hear how much your husband loves it too!
The recipe is a treasure! I served it together with barbecued italian sausage inside a long loaf of seeded italian bread instead of the usual sausage and peppers with onions, No one spoke while eating 😂😂👍
That’s actually one of my favorite ways to eat peperonata too! Barbecued Italian sausage with peperonata in a crusty loaf of seeded bread is hard to beat. And when no one’s speaking while eating—you just know it’s that good! 😂👏
Very tasty easy recipe. Served on polenta works well.
I’m so glad you loved our family recipe, Rick.
This. Was. Amazing! My only sub was white balsamic vinegar because I didn’t have white wine vinegar. Served it over toasted Tuscan bread and topped with burrata. So good! Will definitely make again!
This peperonata with good bread and burrata? Amazing! Jocelyn, I’m so glad you loved this recipe.
I bought some good white wine vinegar for next time! I’m sure it will be even better!!! I heated up the leftovers (not much was left!) and mixed it with some pasta. So good!!!
Ooooh yes, with peperonata with pasta is amazing!
Used a variety of peppers for a spicier paste. Hit the farm stand and got white and purple bells, wax, poblanos and white sweet onion. I really liked your roasted Italian peppers recipe so I did them in the oven first to peel the skins. At the same time I added thick slices of eggplant and Patty pan squash. Once the skins were removed from everything, I sliced and chopped up the flesh. Then followed the recipe above starting with the onions at low temp. I didn’t have passata so I used some tomato paste and a small can of tomato sauce. Because of the hotter peppers I used a bit more sugar and vinegar. It’s delightful!! I plan to make barbacoa/shredded beef in a couple days and will use some of this as a spread for the hoagie roll. Plus I can save some to toss with pasta and butter. Or mix with cream.
Different varieties of peppers is a great idea, Christie! Thank you for your thorough feedback.
I’ve made this dish a couple of times, served with hot Italian sausage, over baked potatoes & with pasta. Delish!!! But my favorite is with a Big Spoon!!
Oooh yes! I like the big spoon idea! Thank you for your feedback.
Added zucchini to it and we loved it. A real keeper.
That’s a great variation, Carol! So glad you enjoyed it.
This is one of my husband’s favorite side dishes. He likes it with zucchini added and I also find it tastier with plenty of eevo as you mentioned. Thanks for the tip about the white wine and sugar. I will try that. Also I never knew it was called Pepperonata as my mother-in-law never called it by a name : ) It doesn’t last long and crusty Italian bread is great for mopping up the last bit of sauce. Thanks again for the name!!
You’re welcome and so right – never lasts long in my house either!
I love this. It’s become one of my favorites and so easy to make. Thank you.
You’re welcome! Nonna would be so proud to know that her recipe was being loved by so many.
Simply delicious!!! Thank-you for sharing this recipe.
You’re welcome, Luisa! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Chella,
This wonderful recipe brings back so many beautiful memories of my sweet Mum making this for us. We loved it.
I never knew how she made it until now.
Thanks for sharing this recipe I will be making this soon for my family 🙏😘🤗💐
Oh Maria! Food is amazing like that. The memories and the emotions are all attached and entwined, aren’t they? I’m so happy to be able to be the one to bring that back to you. I know how much it means xx
This peperonata was delicious. The instructions were well written. I also appreciate the notes, tips, and substitutions.
So glad you enjoyed our family recipe.
My amazing Italian friend used a very similar recipe as a pasta sauce. It was divine. I do not recall The addition of tomatoes or passata.
It was very soft and creamy.
Tried to make it but it was not the same as Anna’s.
One of my favorite summer dishes. And as you say, it’s incredibly versatile. My nonna made hers without tomato but I’ll have to try yours—it sounds very nice.
Thank you Frank! I may have to try a no tomato version!