| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 20g | 3g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 24g | 3g | 2g | 0.5g |
There’s a confounding beauty in the simplicity and complexities of Friggitelli with Balsamic Vinegar and Honey, a dish of humble origins yet robust and layered in flavor. It’s flavorful, healthful, and astonishingly easy to make. This particular recipe has been my go-to for many a dinner, adding brightness to a snowy night in Colorado, or livening up a potluck at Gordon’s, my partner’s, backyard cookouts.
The Flavors and Health Benefits
The sweet, tangy flavor of the balsamic vinegar is beautifully countered by the rich earthiness of the friggitelli peppers. The addition of honey rounds out the flavor, lending the dish a pleasant, lingering sweetness. It’s a wonderful medley of taste sensations – each bite is a burst of savory, sweet and tangy notes all coalescing harmoniously. But it’s not just about the taste – it’s also about the health benefits. Friggitelli peppers are known to be rich in vitamins A, C and E, along with essential minerals like potassium and iron. This Healthline article explains it in more detail. The balsamic vinegar also contains a number of health benefits including reducing blood sugar and aiding in digestion.
Complementing Other Dishes
Though Friggitelli with Balsamic Vinegar and Honey can shine as a standalone dish, it also makes the perfect side to many main courses. This recipe works really well with Pan-Fried Sea Bass, the crispy skin of the fish providing a textural contrast to the soft friggitelli peppers. It’s also a fantastic companion to game meats, like Roast Leg of Lamb, where the vinegar-honey-pepper combination cuts through the richness of the lamb, offering a refreshing palate cleanser.
So whether you’re cooking up a quiet dinner at home, or looking to impress at your next potluck, this recipe for Friggitelli with Balsamic Vinegar and Honey promises to be a tasty, healthful hit. Simple, flavorsome, and boasting a bright visual appeal, it’s a dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate, and is assured to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of Friggitelli peppers
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2/3 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup of honey
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 6 leaves of Basil, for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by washing the 2 pounds of Friggitelli peppers thoroughly. Once cleaned, trim off their tops and remove the seeds inside. Set them aside for later use.
Step Two
Place a large frying pan over medium heat and pour in the 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Allow the oil to warm for a few minutes, but be careful not to let it smoke.
Step Three
When the oil is warm, add the cleaned Friggitelli peppers to the pan. Stir to ensure that the peppers are evenly coated with the oil. Saute the peppers, stirring occasionally until they have softened and developed a bit of char on their skins. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
Step Four
In a separate bowl, combine the 2/3 cup of balsamic vinegar and 1/3 cup of honey. Mix until they’re well combined.
Step Five
Once the peppers are ready, reduce the heat to low and pour the honey and vinegar mixture into the pan. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook this on a low simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure that the peppers are well coated in the sauce. Now, let the peppers cook in the sauce for about 10 more minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Step Six
Finally, serve your Friggitelli with Balsamic Vinegar and Honey hot, garnished with fresh Basil leaves. Enjoy this classic Italian dish as a side or on its own!
