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Peperonata salad

Sweet pepper salad (Perperonata) with croutons

Sauteed peppers, onlons, garlic and tomatoes served over a bed of arugula and topped with big croutons and cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 2 yellow bell peppers
  • 2 plum tomatoes
  • 1/3 C olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves peeled and whole
  • 1 red onion very finely chopped
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp capers in vinegar drained (optional)
  • Handful of cherry tomatoes
  • Small bunch of fresh basil
  • 4 balls of fresh buffalo mozzarella halved
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Arugula leaves
  • handful of pine nuts toasted
Croutons
  • 1/2 loaf French Baguette sliced and cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • chopping board
  • knife

Method
 

  1. Quarter the bell peppers and remove the stalk, seeds and any of the white pith. Slice them into think strips about 1/2"wide. Quarter the tomatoes, remove the seeds and chop into small cubes.
  2. Heat frying pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and garlic. Fry the garlic on both sides until golden brown, then remove from pan, set aside. Add the red onion and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent. Add the peppers, fried garlic and bay leaves. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or so until the peppers are soft but still holding their shape.
  3. Remove lid and add diced tomatoes, vinegar, salt and sugar. Cook uncovered for 10 min. Then add drained capers (if using) and cherry tomatoes and take off heat. The heat from the pan will soften the cherry tomatoes.
  4. Leave to cool, then add basil and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Place arugula in a large bowl, top with peppers, croutons, fresh basil and toasted pine nuts.
Croutons
  1. Slice French baguette into 1" cubes and pan fry in oil until golden on each side. Sprinkle with kosher salt. You can add some fresh herbs like rosemary or basil.