Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Spain with just one bite - that's exactly what our Ham and Pepper Piperade promises! This mouthwatering recipe is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines the smoky richness of ham with the sweet, colorful dance of bell peppers and tomatoes. Perfect for busy home cooks looking to bring a touch of Mediterranean magic to their dinner table, this piperade is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe that will have everyone asking, "What's your secret?"
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil for cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the ham, slicing bell peppers and onions, chopping tomatoes, and mincing garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
- Add sliced onions to the skillet and sauté until they become soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Add sliced red and green bell peppers to the skillet, cooking until they start to soften and develop slight caramelization, about 5-6 minutes.
- Introduce diced tomatoes to the vegetable mixture, stirring to combine and allow them to break down and release their juices.
- Gently fold in the diced ham, allowing it to warm through and integrate with the vegetables.
- Season the piperade with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until all ingredients are heated evenly and flavors have melded together.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ham: Use a good-quality cooked ham like Spanish jamón or a smoky deli ham for the best flavor profile.
- Control your heat: Sauté vegetables on medium heat to develop caramelization without burning. This creates depth of flavor.
- Don't rush the onions: Take your time when cooking onions - they should be soft and translucent, which takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Season gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages, tasting as you go to build a balanced flavor.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives at the end can elevate the entire dish's freshness and presentation.
- Serve immediately: Piperade is best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet, to preserve its vibrant textures and temperatures.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg
