Craving a side dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy? Look no further than these incredible Sweet and Sour Peppers! In just 30 minutes, you'll transform simple bell peppers and onions into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This Italian-inspired recipe is not just a side dish – it's a flavor adventure that can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and slice the bell peppers into thin strips, removing the seeds and stem. Peel and slice the onion into similar-sized strips.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they become soft and slightly translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced bell peppers to the pan and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the peppers start to soften but still maintain a slight crispness, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved, creating a sweet and sour sauce.
- Pour the vinegar and sugar mixture over the peppers and onions in the pan. Stir to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and coat the vegetables.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Let the peppers cool for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve warm as a side dish or as a topping for grilled meats, sandwiches, or salads.
Tips
- Choose vibrant, firm bell peppers for the best texture and flavor. Mix colors like red, yellow, and green for a visually stunning dish.
- Make sure to slice your peppers and onions into uniform strips to ensure even cooking.
- Control the heat carefully when sautéing to prevent burning – medium heat is your best friend.
- Adjust the sweet and sour balance by tweaking the sugar and vinegar ratio to suit your taste preferences.
- For extra depth, try using balsamic vinegar instead of regular vinegar for a more complex flavor profile.
- These peppers are incredibly versatile – use them as a topping, side dish, or even as a sandwich filling.
- Let the peppers rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 132kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
