Description
Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia is a savory, rustic Italian dish that combines bell peppers, onions, and a light, flavorful batter. Originating from Tuscany, this dish is a type of savory cake or frittata, often enjoyed as a snack or light meal. It’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main for a vegetarian meal. The combination of caramelized vegetables and the crispy, tender batter makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
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2 medium bell peppers (preferably red or yellow), thinly sliced
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1 medium onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for greasing the pan)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup milk
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
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1. Prepare the Vegetables:
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last 2 minutes of cooking and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the heat and set aside.
2. Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
3. Make the Batter:
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In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk to loosen it.
4. Assemble the Scarpaccia:
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Spread the caramelized bell peppers and onions evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the batter over the vegetables, making sure they are evenly coated.
5. Bake the Scarpaccia:
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Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the batter is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Serve:
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Once baked, remove the scarpaccia from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. For added flavor, drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar or garnish with fresh basil leaves. Slice into wedges or squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
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Notes
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Bell Peppers: You can use any color of bell pepper, but red, yellow, and orange peppers will give the dish a nice sweetness.
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Cheese: Feel free to substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or a mild Asiago for a different flavor profile.
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Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can be added along with the garlic for extra fragrance.
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Serving Ideas: This dish is great as an appetizer, side dish, or served with a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg