Piperrada (Spanish Pepper Stew)

Piperrada (Spanish Pepper Stew) is a easy Spanish recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $7.02 total, $1.76 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Green Italian Pepper (medium size, washed, stems, ribs and seeds removed)
  • 200 g Piquillo Peppers (jarred, drained, cut into thin strips)
  • 1 large Onion (peeled and coarsely chopped)
  • 4 pieces Garlic Clove (peeled and minced)
  • 200 ml Tomato Sauce (plain or lightly seasoned)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for sautéing)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables

    Wash the green Italian peppers, remove stems, ribs and seeds, then coarsely chop. Peel and coarsely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Slice the piquillo peppers

    Drain the jarred piquillo peppers and cut them into thin strips (tiritas).

    Time: PT3M

  3. Heat the oil

    Place the skillet over medium‑high heat and add the olive oil. Let it shimmer, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Sauté onion and garlic

    Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the hot oil. Stir constantly until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Cook the green peppers

    Add the chopped green Italian peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Add piquillo strips

    Stir in the piquillo strips and cook for another 2 minutes, just to warm them through.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Incorporate tomato sauce and simmer

    Pour the tomato sauce over the vegetables, season with salt and black pepper, and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium and let the mixture simmer gently for 7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

    Time: PT7M

  8. Finish and serve

    Turn off the heat, give the piperrada a final stir, and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve hot as a tapa, side dish, or over crusty bread.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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Piperrada (Spanish Pepper Stew)

A rustic Spanish piperrada featuring green Italian peppers, piquillo strips, onion, garlic and a simple tomato sauce. Quick, colorful, and perfect as a tapa or side dish.

EasySpanishServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
16m
Prep
14m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
40m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.02
Total cost
$1.76
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Removing stems, ribs and seeds from the green peppers to avoid bitterness.
  • Adding piquillo strips midway to keep them from disintegrating.
  • Simmering the tomato sauce just enough to blend flavors without over‑cooking.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife and keep fingertips tucked while chopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of piperrada in Spanish cuisine?

A

Piperrada originates from the Basque Country and Navarre, where it was traditionally a peasant dish made with locally available peppers, onions and tomatoes. It reflects the Mediterranean emphasis on simple, fresh vegetables and is often served as a tapa or side at festivals and family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of piperrada in Spain?

A

In the Basque region the dish often includes chorizo or bacon for added richness, while in Navarre it may feature sweet red peppers and a splash of sherry vinegar. Coastal versions sometimes add anchovies, whereas inland versions stay strictly vegetarian.

cultural
Q

How is piperrada traditionally served in the Basque Country?

A

Traditionally it is served hot in a shallow earthenware dish, accompanied by crusty country bread or as a topping for grilled fish. It can also be enjoyed straight from the pan as a communal tapa.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is piperrada associated with in Spanish culture?

A

Piperrada is popular during local festivals (fiestas), harvest celebrations, and family gatherings because it can be prepared quickly in large batches and showcases the season’s fresh peppers.

cultural
Q

What other Spanish dishes pair well with piperrada?

A

Piperrada pairs beautifully with grilled fish such as sardines, roasted lamb, or simple tortilla española. It also works as a side to paella or as a topping for croquetas.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for piperrada versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic piperrada uses green Italian peppers, piquillo peppers, onion, garlic, and a light tomato sauce. Substitutes can include any sweet bell pepper, roasted red peppers, or crushed tomatoes if piquillo are unavailable.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making piperrada?

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the piquillo strips, which makes them fall apart, and adding too much liquid, resulting in a soupy texture. Also, chopping the vegetables too finely can cause them to lose their characteristic bite.

technical
Q

Why does this piperrada recipe add the piquillo peppers midway through the fry instead of at the beginning?

A

Piquillo peppers are already cooked and delicate; adding them early would cause them to disintegrate and lose their bright flavor. Incorporating them midway preserves their texture and visual appeal.

technical
Q

Can I make piperrada ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the vegetable base up to step 5, cool it, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add the piquillo and tomato sauce when reheating to keep the peppers firm.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the piperrada is done cooking?

A

The vegetables should be tender but still retain a slight bite, the piquillo strips should be glossy and intact, and the sauce should coat the ingredients without being watery. A light reddish‑orange hue indicates proper seasoning.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Unknown specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Unknown focuses on simple, home‑cooked Mediterranean and Spanish recipes, emphasizing rustic techniques and minimal ingredients for everyday cooking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Unknown's approach to Spanish cooking differ from other Spanish cooking channels?

A

Channel Unknown prioritizes quick, no‑fuss preparations and often uses pantry‑friendly shortcuts, whereas many Spanish cooking channels emphasize traditional, labor‑intensive methods. This channel aims to make authentic flavors accessible to busy home cooks.

channel

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