| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 230 | 12g | 1.8g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 6g | 4g | 0.4g |
Why I Love Turkish Onion and Pepper Stir-Fry
There’s something incredibly comforting and inviting about this Onion and Pepper Stir-Fry, a popular Turkish dish that has won my heart. The recipe combines some of my favorite flavors with its onions, bell peppers, and a delightful kick from the red pepper flakes. The dish, much like my own style of cooking, is inspired by the outdoors and the simple, yet profound, taste of natural ingredients.
The Influence
I can’t claim complete credit for this recipe as my ideas were sparked by the prolific Turkish Chef Musa Dağdeviren, known for his dedication in preserving Turkey’s culinary heritage. Dağdeviren’s cooking, much like mine, values the importance of sourcing fresh, local ingredients. His influence in this Onion and Pepper Stir-Fry recipe cannot be overstated. He helped me approach cooking from a new perspective, focusing on ingredients’ natural flavors.
The Flavor
The Onion and Pepper Stir-Fry is an explosion of flavor in each bite. The sweetness of the onions, the crunch of the green peppers, the heat from the red pepper flakes, and the unique addition of dried mint come together to create a perfect harmony. It is a hearty dish, yes, but it boasts a lightness that makes it perfect as both a main meal or side dish.
It has parallels to my beloved game meats, with its deep, comforting flavors. Add a serving of the Onion and Pepper Stir-Fry to a plate of grilled venison or trout, and you’ve got a meal that wouldn’t be out of place sitting next to a roaring fire in the Rockies.
Whether you’re feeding a family or just feeding your soul, this fantastic recipe is a testament to the power of seasonal produce and the magic that can happen when they’re cooked together with love. No doubt, this Turkish Onion and Pepper Stir-Fry will continue to be a favourite in my kitchen, and hopefully, in yours too.
What You’ll Need
- 7 medium onions
- 6 green bell peppers
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon of dried mint
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1/4 cup of water
Method
Step One
Peel the 7 medium onions and slice them into relatively thin pieces. Also, remove the stems and seeds from the 6 green bell peppers before cutting them into thin strips.
Step Two
Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and peppers to the skillet, and cook them for about 10 minutes, or until they are softened.
Step Three
Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic into the skillet and continue to cook for another minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.
Step Four
Add in 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon of dried mint, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper into the skillet. Stir them well to combine with the onions and peppers.
Step Five
In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste with 1/4 cup of water until a sauce is formed. Pour this tomato sauce into the skillet and stir well to coat the onions and peppers.
Step Six
Reduce the heat to low and let the stir-fry simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the food from sticking to the skillet.
Step Seven
Taste the stir-fry and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Onion and Pepper Stir-Fry!
