Sweet and Sour Peppers

Sweet and sour peppers are a tasty side dish that pairs well with many meals. Here is the traditional Italian recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers (red and yellow for a colorful dish)
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 clove of garlic
• Fresh basil (optional)

Preparation

1. Wash the peppers, dry them, and then roast them. This can be done in the oven at 200 °C until the skin turns black and peels off easily, or directly over the flame of the stove if you have the chance, turning them frequently.

2. Once the peppers are well roasted, place them in a plastic food bag and seal it. Let rest for about 10-15 minutes. This process helps to peel them more easily.

3. Peel the peppers by removing the burnt skin, seeds, and inner filaments. Then cut them into strips or squares, as you prefer.

4. In a pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil and add the garlic clove to flavor the oil. When the garlic is golden, remove it.

5. Add the peppers to the pan, and slightly sauté them.

6. Add the sugar and vinegar, a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened, and the peppers are well caramelized.

7. Serve hot or cold, garnishing with fresh basil if you wish to add a touch of freshness.

Curiosity

Sweet and sour peppers are a very versatile preparation that can also be used as a base for other dishes. For example, by adding sweet and sour onions during cooking, you can obtain an even richer and tastier side dish. Moreover, the contrast between sweet and sour is a hallmark of Italian cuisine that can be found in many other recipes, like sweet and sour onions or Sicilian caponata.