Sauteed Onions and Peppers
Sweet onions and colorful bell peppers are sautéed until tender-crisp and lightly caramelized. A versatile and flavorful side dish that comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for topping sausages, burgers, or adding to fajitas.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- 2
Add the sliced onions to the hot pan
- a.Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become translucent. Allow them to sit for a minute at a time between stirs to encourage some light browning.
- 3
Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the onions
- a.Continue to cook for another 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peppers are tender-crisp and the onions are sweet and lightly caramelized.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional dried oregano
- a.Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
- 5
Remove the skillet from the heat
- a.If using, stir in the optional balsamic vinegar for a bright, tangy finish. Serve immediately as a side dish or topping.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best color and a wider range of nutrients, use a mix of bell peppers like red, yellow, and orange.
- 2Ensure the onions and peppers are sliced to a uniform thickness (about 1/4 inch) so they cook evenly.
- 3Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding. This allows the vegetables to sauté and caramelize rather than steam.
- 4For a deeper, sweeter flavor, cook the onions for an extra 5 minutes on their own before adding the peppers.
- 5Leftovers are fantastic for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Version
Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or one thinly sliced jalapeño along with the garlic for a spicy kick.
Italian StyleItalian-Style
Substitute oregano with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and use red wine vinegar instead of balsamic. Garnish with fresh chopped basil.
Mushroom MedleyMushroom Medley
Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms along with the bell peppers for an earthy, umami flavor.
Cheesy FinishCheesy Finish
Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese just before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Vitamin Powerhouse
Bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and Vitamin A, which is crucial for vision and skin health.
Supports Digestive Health
Both onions and peppers are good sources of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes a healthy gut microbiome, and helps you feel full and satisfied.
Rich in Antioxidants
Onions and colorful bell peppers contain various antioxidants, like quercetin and carotenoids, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Heart-Healthy
This dish is prepared with olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats. These healthy fats are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this recipe (approximately 1 cup) contains about 95-105 calories, making it a light and healthy side dish. The majority of the calories come from the olive oil.