Peperonata Recipe: Classic Italian Slow-Cooked Peppers 2026

Peperonata is a classic Italian dish made from a slow-cooked mix of peppers, onion and ripe tomatoes. The vegetables soften at their own pace in olive oil, turning sweet and silky without losing their shape. It is a staple of Italian home cooking and one of the most useful side dishes you can have in your repertoire.

Serve it warm or at room temperature alongside meat, fish, eggs or potatoes, or pile it onto a thick slice of toasted bread for a simple, satisfying bite. Meaty peppers work best here, and you can use red ones alone or mix in other colors for a brighter look.

Everything comes together in one wide skillet, and the total time is just under an hour, most of it hands-off simmering. This recipe yields 8 servings, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients for Peperonata

This recipe makes 8 servings as a side dish.

• 1 kg peppers
• 250 g onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 300 g ripe red tomatoes
• Salt

How to Make Peperonata Step by Step

1. Cut the Peppers into Strips

Wash 1 kg of peppers, remove the seeds and cut them into strips. Choose fleshy peppers, red or a mix of colors, so they hold up during the long, slow cooking.

2. Chop the Onion and Peel the Garlic

Peel and cut 250 g of onion into thin slices. Peel 2 garlic cloves and leave them whole so you can remove them later.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a wide skillet and sauté the garlic cloves for 2 minutes. Add the onions and cook for 15 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and poached. It is important that the vegetables cook slowly and in order so they end up with the perfect texture.

4. Add the Peppers and Cook

Add the peppers, season with salt, stir, cover and cook the mixture for 15 more minutes. After poaching the onion, the peppers go in next, and then the crushed tomato follows.

5. Add the Tomatoes and Cook the Mixture

Crush 300 g of ripe red tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Cover and cook for another 15 minutes, until the tomatoes release their water and the mixture thickens.

6. Season and Serve

Season the peperonata with salt to taste and remove the garlic cloves before serving. You can serve it as a first course or as an accompaniment to many dishes.

Tips for the Best Peperonata

Choose the Right Peppers

Use fleshy peppers, red or a mix of colors, so they soften without turning to mush. Thin, watery peppers break down too quickly during the 45 minutes of cooking.

Cook the Vegetables in Order

Poach the onion with the garlic first, then add the peppers, and finally the crushed tomato. Cooking them little by little in this order is what gives the dish its perfect texture.

How to Serve Peperonata

Peperonata is usually served as a side for meat, fish, eggs or potatoes, though served on a good piece of toasted bread it is a real treat. It is equally good warm or cold.

30 Top Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a go-to lineup that covers cozy classics, dishes from around the world, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent craving hits, my picks are usually this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and comforting sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I reach for.

Some mornings I want an easy breakfast or a lighter plate, so I'll whip up these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I rely on.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean flavors, I bounce between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe also comes out whenever I want to serve something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, my recommendations are this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. When I'm after something heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Anytime I'm in the mood for street food or party-style plates, I'll usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also work great as a laid-back appetizer or snack.

And when I'm hosting guests with drinks and a full spread, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, I like adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes to Cook for the Family

After years of testing and tweaking recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the best dishes are built on simplicity, dependable techniques, and big flavor.

Every recipe in this collection is one I genuinely come back to time and time again—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something elegant yet effortless. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When something fresh and simple is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often point people to the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer recipes are another category I cook often, since they save time while still delivering great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for anyone steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and completely satisfying without gluten.

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