Piperade

Piperade Recipe - Vegetarian French Dish with Bell Peppers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Piperade is a traditional Basque dish made with green bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and eggs. It is a flavorful and colorful dish that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. In this article, we will explore the history of the recipe, cooking tips and tricks, nutrition information, serving suggestions, and more.

History

Piperade originated in the Basque region of France and Spain. It is a popular dish that is often served as a side dish or as a main course. The dish is believed to have been influenced by Spanish cuisine, particularly the use of tomatoes and peppers. Over the years, piperade has become a staple in Basque cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

3 green bell peppers, sliced
1.5 cups sliced onions
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 (16 oz (454 g)) can whole tomatoes, chopped
1.5 tsp salt, divided use
0.75 tsp freshly ground pepper, divided use
2 tbsp butter
8 large eggs
0.25 cup milk
2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large skillet over low heat.
Add sliced green bell peppers and sliced onions; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until the onions are tender but not browned.
Add chopped whole tomatoes, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp pepper; cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes.
Increase the heat to high and cook for about 1 minute, or until most of the liquid evaporates.
Remove to a serving dish and keep warm.
Melt butter in the skillet.
Combine eggs, milk, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp pepper in a bowl; stir well.
Add the mixture to the skillet and cook, stirring, until thickened.
Transfer to the serving dish with the green bell pepper mixture.
Sprinkle with parsley.

Variations

There are many variations of piperade that you can try. Some people like to add chorizo or ham for extra flavor, while others like to add cheese for a creamy finish. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the dish to your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making piperade, it is important to cook the vegetables slowly over low heat to bring out their natural sweetness. Be sure to stir the vegetables occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the pan. Adding a splash of water or broth can help to prevent the vegetables from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Piperade can be served on its own as a light meal or as a side dish with grilled meats or fish. It can also be served with crusty bread or rice for a more filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious piperade is to cook the vegetables slowly over low heat to bring out their natural sweetness. Be sure to stir the vegetables occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the pan. Adding a splash of water or broth can help to prevent the vegetables from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have green bell peppers, you can use red or yellow bell peppers instead. You can also use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes. Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite vegetables and herbs.

Make Ahead Tips

Piperade can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat before serving. You can also freeze piperade for up to 3 months for future meals.

Presentation Ideas

Piperade can be served in a large serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. You can also serve piperade in a hollowed-out bell pepper for a fun and creative presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Piperade pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, fish, and crusty bread. It also pairs well with a glass of white wine or sparkling water. Experiment with different pairings to find your favorite combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover piperade can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also reheat piperade in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of piperade contains approximately 200 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie dish that is perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. The calories in piperade come primarily from the vegetables and eggs.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of piperade contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of the carbohydrates come from the vegetables, particularly the bell peppers and onions. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help to fuel your day.

Fats

Piperade is a relatively low-fat dish, with each serving containing approximately 10 grams of fat. The fat content primarily comes from the vegetable oil and butter used in cooking. While fat is an essential nutrient for the body, it is important to consume it in moderation.

Proteins

Each serving of piperade contains approximately 10 grams of protein. The protein in this dish comes from the eggs, which are a good source of high-quality protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Piperade is a nutrient-dense dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. The bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C, while the tomatoes provide vitamin A and potassium. Onions are also a good source of vitamin C and fiber. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Piperade contains eggs and dairy, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients. If you have a food allergy, be sure to check the ingredient list carefully before preparing or consuming piperade.

Summary

Overall, piperade is a nutritious and delicious dish that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of day.

Summary

Piperade is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. Packed with vegetables, eggs, and flavorful seasonings, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Experiment with different variations and pairings to create a meal that suits your taste preferences. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Piperade. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Marie in her quaint little village in the French countryside. Marie had always been an incredible cook, and I was in awe of her culinary skills.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on glasses of chilled white wine, Marie pulled out an old, weathered cookbook from her kitchen shelf. She flipped through the pages until she came across a recipe for Piperade, a traditional Basque dish made with peppers, onions, tomatoes, and eggs.

Marie explained that Piperade was a dish that was often made in her family, passed down from generation to generation. She had learned how to make it from her mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The recipe was a cherished family secret, and Marie was thrilled to share it with me.

I watched as Marie deftly chopped the peppers and onions, the sweet aroma of the vegetables filling the kitchen. She sautéed them in a pan with olive oil until they were soft and caramelized, then added ripe tomatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Next, she cracked a few eggs into the pan, letting them cook until the yolks were just set. The vibrant colors of the dish were mesmerizing, the reds and yellows of the peppers and tomatoes mingling with the bright orange of the yolks.

As the Piperade finished cooking, Marie spooned it onto plates and served it with crusty bread and more wine. The flavors were incredible – the sweetness of the peppers and onions, the acidity of the tomatoes, and the richness of the eggs all melded together in perfect harmony.

I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the taste of the dish. It was like nothing I had ever tried before, a perfect balance of flavors and textures that danced on my palate.

After that day, I became obsessed with Piperade. I begged Marie for the recipe, and she generously shared it with me. I made it for my family back home, who were equally as enamored with the dish as I was.

Over the years, I have made Piperade countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my tastes. Sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika for a touch of warmth, or a handful of fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.

I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all fallen in love with the dish just as I did. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a go-to recipe for when I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to a delicious meal.

As I look back on that day in Marie's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for her generosity in sharing the recipe for Piperade with me. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy of cooking and the power of shared recipes to bring people together.

And so, whenever I make Piperade, I think of Marie and her family, and the generations of cooks who came before them. I am grateful for the knowledge they passed down to me, and the joy it brings to my kitchen and my loved ones. Cooking is not just about making food – it is about creating memories and forging connections that last a lifetime.