Sautéed Peppers and Onion
A simple, vibrant side dish of sweet bell peppers and onions, sautéed in olive oil with a hint of oregano. This classic combination is quick to make and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or grains.
For 4 servings
Prepare the vegetables.
Wash the bell peppers, remove the stems and seeds, and slice them into thin strips. Peel the onion and slice it thinly as well.
TIPTry to slice the peppers and onions to a uniform thickness so they cook evenly.Sauté the onion.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
TIPDon't let the onions brown too much; you just want them soft and sweet.Add the peppers and cook.
Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the onions. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the peppers are tender-crisp, about 7-8 minutes.
TIPFor softer peppers, you can cover the pan for a few minutes to let them steam slightly.Season and serve.
Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to combine and cook for one more minute. Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for a more colorful and flavorful dish.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the vegetables instead of sautéing them. Cook in batches if necessary.
- 3For a bit of extra flavor, add a minced clove of garlic during the last minute of cooking.
- 4Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
To reduce fat, use only 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add a splash of water to help steam the vegetables as they cook.
quickQuick
Use a bag of pre-sliced frozen peppers and onions to cut down on preparation time. Sauté directly from frozen.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Cook the peppers until they are very soft and sweet to appeal to younger palates. You can also cut them into smaller dices.
ckd friendlyCkd friendly
This recipe is designed to be kidney-friendly. To further reduce potassium, you can blanch the sliced peppers and onions in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain well before sautéing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Bell peppers, especially red ones, are packed with Vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system and skin health.
Source of Antioxidants
Both peppers and onions contain powerful antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The use of olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this is a very healthy side dish. Bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Sautéing in olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats. It's naturally low in calories, carbs, and sodium.