Peperonata is a delicious Italian dish made with sweet bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and various herbs and spices. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a side dish, a topping, or a sauce. If you find yourself with an abundance of peppers and want to enjoy the flavors of peperonata all year round, preserving it is the way to go. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to preserve peperonata to maintain its long-lasting flavor.

What You’ll Need

  • 5-6 large bell peppers (a combination of red, yellow, and green for a vibrant mix of colors)
  • 2 onions
  • 4 tomatoes
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Mason jars or airtight containers for storage

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing the bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Remove the seeds and stems from the bell peppers and cut them into thin strips. Peel and thinly slice the onions. Dice the tomatoes into small pieces. Finely chop the garlic cloves.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Then, add the bell peppers, tomatoes, and chopped garlic. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Season the mixture with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the vegetables. Give everything a good stir and reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet or pot and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Cool and Package

Once the peperonata has cooled down, it’s time to package it for preservation. Sterilize your mason jars or airtight containers before filling them with the peperonata. Fill each jar/container with the mixture, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top. This headspace will allow for expansion during freezing or canning.

Step 5: Choose Your Preservation Method

There are two main methods for preserving peperonata – freezing and canning. Choose the method that suits you best:

  • Freezing: If you prefer a simpler preservation method, freezing is the way to go. Place the filled jars/containers in the freezer, making sure they are sealed tightly. Frozen peperonata can last up to 6 months.
  • Canning: Canning requires a bit more effort but results in pantry-stable peperonata. Follow the instructions for canning in a boiling water bath. Properly canned peperonata can last up to a year, stored in a cool, dark place.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Preserved Peperonata

When you’re ready to enjoy your preserved peperonata, simply thaw the frozen jars/containers in the refrigerator or heat canned peperonata on the stove. It makes a fantastic addition to pasta, sandwiches, bruschetta, grilled meats, and more!

By following these simple steps, you can preserve the flavors of peperonata and have a taste of Italy all year round. Whether you choose freezing or canning, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious and versatile dish that will elevate your meals. Buon appetito!

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