Sauteed green peppers (Πράσινες πιπεριές τηγανιτές)

Sautéed green peppers is a simple Greek side dish full of green bell peppers, red onion and herbs that are combined to make a delicious and unexpected side dish. This recipe goes super well with all sorts of great Greek mains.

Why I love this recipe

If you’re a gardener, you might be like my family which feels that there are some basic vegetables without which a garden could never be complete.  Oh sure, we like to experiment and occasionally try to grow watermelons, asparagus, and brussels sprouts, with varying degrees of success, but some things are non-negotiable.  Bell peppers are included in that category of must-grows.

If you are a successful gardener (like my dad, and increasingly, like me), you will also know that when your crop grows, it often grows all at the same time.  So, one week you have no zucchini, and then within a day you’ve got more summer squash than you know what to do with…but don’t worry, I know what you can do with it, including making fried zucchini chips, grilled zucchini, and this amazing dish of zucchini, eggplant and potato. But, back to the peppers.

My parents use their bell peppers to make all sorts of delicious things, like stuffed vegetables called yemista.  They also freeze them after a bit of blanching to either make yemista in the winter months, or to add to other recipes.  But often, they would make this side dish of sautéed green peppers with red onion and simple herbs.  It is quick, healthy, light and packs more flavour than you would expect given the few simple ingredients.

Key ingredients

Green bell peppers I love the flavour of green bell peppers. They are the least sweet of all the bell peppers, and a bit bitter. They cook up really well, and taste so amazing when sautéed.

Red onion The mild flavour of red onions tastes just fantastic here.

Olive oil As usual, I rely on excellent Greek olive oil when cooking. Nothing beats the aroma and flavour.

Parsley I use fresh flat leaf parsley. I am always sure to wash it well because I find that it can hold dirt even when you don’t easily see it.

Dry oregano I use dry Greek oregano, which is truly exceptional. Such a strong aroma and flavour. Amazing!

Red wine vinegar A dash of red wine vinegar as the peppers finish to be cooked is great. It helps to release any bits stuck to the bottom on the pan, supporting the great caramelization.

Salt & pepper Basic seasonings, important for any dish!

How to make

Step 1
Wash the bell peppers and slice into thin strips. Cut the red onion into strips as well.

Step 2
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil and saute the red onion until softened, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 3
Add the peppers to the pan and continue to cook, stirring regularly, for approximately 5 minutes. Add the parsley, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 4
Add the red wine vinegar to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 3 – 5 minutes. You want your green peppers to be caramelized in some areas.

Step 5
Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with some fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe substitutions

My parents always make this recipe using green bell peppers, partially because until quite recently, these were the only peppers they grew in their garden.  Now that they grow red and yellow bell peppers as well, they still keep to the green ones in this dish.  You can use whatever you like! Keep in mind that the flavours differ in the various coloured peppers however, with green being particularly unique.

Storing and reheating

Store any leftovers in a covered container, in the fridge for 3 – 5 days. You can reheat your leftovers in a pan or the microwave.

How to serve

This is a perfect accompaniment to souvlaki, grilled steak, rack of lamb or anything else really.  Also, this recipe is great to include in a wrap with hummus or chicken. It would be equally great added to my chickpea wraps.  So delicious!

Related recipes

If you are looking for more ways to use up your bell peppers, try these recipes:

Spetzofai (spetsofai) – Sausages with peppers and tomato A classic Greek recipe. This is so flavourful, you will absolutely love it!

Pasta with tomato and red pepper sauce No need for cheese with this creamy and delicious pasta sauce.

Red pepper and tomato egg muffins A perfect quick breakfast or light lunch! I love having these handy.

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Thanks for sharing!