Piperade is a vibrant and flavorful Basque-inspired dish that brings together sweet bell peppers, ripe tomatoes, onions, and garlic. With its rich yet light taste, this stew can be served in a variety of ways: as a hearty side dish, a topping for crusty bread, or as a delightful accompaniment to eggs or meat. Simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, Piperade is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of Southern France.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Piperade is a dish that showcases the best of Mediterranean cuisine—simple ingredients, yet a burst of flavor with every bite. The combination of sweet peppers, ripe tomatoes, and savory onions creates a delicious base, while the addition of smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky layer. The optional touch of cayenne pepper brings just the right amount of heat, making this dish suitable for a variety of tastes. Versatile and easy to make, it can be paired with almost anything—whether you're enjoying it as a main course with eggs or a flavorful topping for bread, it’s a meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 3 large bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the bell peppers and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Add the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened and the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm as a side dish, over toasted bread, or with fried or poached eggs. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add protein: For a heartier version, consider adding cooked chicken, sausage, or even chickpeas to the dish for added protein.
- Add cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese can enhance the flavors and add creaminess.
- Herbs: If parsley isn't to your taste, fresh basil or thyme are great alternatives.
- Spicy kick: If you love spice, increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced fresh chili pepper to the mix.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the stew has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add fresh chili peppers to the mix.
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Fresh bell peppers are recommended for the best texture, but frozen peppers can be used if necessary. Just be sure to cook them a little longer to release extra moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! This Piperade recipe is naturally vegan and plant-based.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Piperade can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors tend to improve after sitting for a few hours or overnight.
Can I freeze Piperade?
Piperade can be frozen, but the texture of the peppers may change slightly when reheated. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How do I know when the peppers are soft enough?
The peppers should be tender and slightly caramelized, and the mixture should be thickened by the end of the cooking time.
What can I serve with Piperade?
Piperade pairs well with fried or poached eggs, grilled meats, or as a topping for crusty bread. It can also be served with rice or quinoa for a fuller meal.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Yes, other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach can be added to the stew for extra flavor and nutrition.
How do I store fresh parsley?
Keep fresh parsley in a jar with water in the fridge, or wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about a week.
Can I use other spices in place of smoked paprika?
You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika, cumin, or a blend of herbs like oregano and thyme. However, smoked paprika will give it that distinct smoky flavor.
Conclusion
Piperade is a wonderfully versatile dish that brings the flavors of the Basque region to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, it delivers a complex, rich flavor profile that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served on its own, with eggs, or as a topping for bread, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Piperade – Basque Pepper and Tomato Stew
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Piperade is a vibrant Basque-inspired pepper and tomato stew, perfect as a side dish or topping for bread, eggs, and meats. With a blend of sweet bell peppers, ripe tomatoes, and smoky paprika, this dish delivers Mediterranean flavors in just 40 minutes. Whether you enjoy it spicy or mild, it's a versatile and vegan-friendly recipe that pairs well with various proteins and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 3 large bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the bell peppers and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.
- Add the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy as a side dish, over toasted bread, or with fried or poached eggs.
Notes
- For added protein, consider incorporating chicken, sausage, or chickpeas.
- A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese enhances flavor.
- Fresh basil or thyme can be used in place of parsley.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper or add fresh chili for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
