Pasta alla Peperonata (sweet pepper sauce)

Method5 steps · about 1 hr

1. 1

   Step 1: In a large frying pan or skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, whole garlic (2 cloves) cloves, and peppers. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables start to soften.

   Uses 3–4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil · 2 red onions (preferably from Tropea. Peeled and sliced) · 2 cloves garlic (peeled) · 2 red sweet peppers, sliced · 2 yellow sweet peppers (sliced) · 2 orange sweet peppers (sliced)

   
2. 2

   Step 2: Stir in the tomato passata (10 oz), halved cherry tomatoes (1 handful), bay leaf (1), and wine vinegar (1 tbsp). Season with salt. Reduce the heat to low-medium and simmer covered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaf after cooking.

   Simmer pepper sauce · 40 minUses Sautéed sweet peppers, onions and garlic in olive oil · 10 oz tomato passata (I used Cirio or Mutti rustica) · 1 handful cherry tomatoes (cut in half) · 1 bay leaf · 1 tbsp wine vinegar · salt (for pasta and to taste)

3. 3

   Step 3: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil then add salt. Allow the water to come to the boil again and cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water.

   Uses Water as needed to boil the pasta · salt (for pasta and to taste) · 14 oz casarecce pasta

4. 4

   Step 4: Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency.

   Uses Finished peperonata sauce with bay leaf removed · Drained al dente casarecce · Small share of the reserved cooking water, only if needed

5. 5

   Step 5: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly ground black pepper, chopped basil or parsley, and a generous sprinkling of grated cheese, if desired.

   Uses Finished peperonata pasta · black pepper (to taste) · Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, optional garnish · Grated Parmigiano Reggiano or vegetarian parmesan, optional topping