| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 200 | 10g | 2g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 4g | 5g | 0.2g |
As a seasoned food writer with a penchant for flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine, every once in a while, a dish such as the Spanish Onion and Bell Pepper Stir Fry captivates my palate and reminds me why I’m so passionate about food experimentation. What may seem like a simple combination of veggies becomes, with a few easy steps, a medley of taste and color that is sure to thrill any dinner guest.
This particular dish offers more than just an exciting play of tastes; it’s an embodiment of health and simplicity, a touchstone to my Southern roots where home cooking and wholesome ingredients are given precedence.
Refreshing Simplicity
Whether served as a main or side dish, the Spanish Onion and Bell Pepper Stir Fry mirrors simplicity at its finest. Referencing the straightforward meals of rustic farm-to-table dining and contrasting with the more complex dishes that can often dominate the Tex-Mex genre, this recipe finds its strength in the humble, yet powerful ingredients it champions.
If you’re familiar with the culinary techniques common to the Mediterranean Diet, you may find similarities between this recipe and a traditional Spanish pipirrana, a mix of fresh and sauteed vegetables dressed with olive oil, garlic, and vinegar.
In a Texan twist, the use of Spanish paprika adds a unique smoky depth, rounding off the tangy freshness of the lemon zest and juice beautifully.
Healthful Delights
Speaking of health benefits, it’s impossible to bypass the vital nutrients packed in this powerhouse stir fry. With a high amount of vitamin C from the bell peppers and lemon juice coupled with the antioxidant benefits from the Spanish onions and garlic, it’s a guilt-free delight that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Building on the natural goodness of its components, the stir fry also elegantly incorporates heart-healthy olive oil, demonstrating that good health and satisfied taste buds can go hand in hand. Plus, the use of dry white wine serves the dual purpose of lending flavor depth to the dish and aiding in better nutrient absorption.
Consider pairing this dish with a protein of your choice for a balanced meal. It works wonderfully with grilled fish, in keeping with its Mediterranean roots, or with a juicy steak for a more Tex-Mex touch.
Embracing minimalism and health, the Spanish Onion and Bell Pepper Stir Fry is a testament to the idea that less truly can be more when it comes to food. With this recipe, I relish the journey back to basics and invite you to join me in savoring this tex-mix delight.
What You’ll Need
- 3 large Spanish onions
- 3 bell peppers (any color)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of Spanish paprika
- 1/2 cup of dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Method
Step One
First, clean and peel the 3 large Spanish onions. Cut them in half and slice them thinly. Set them aside for later use.
Step Two
Next, clean the 3 bell peppers. Remove the stems, seeds, and membranes, and then slice them into thin strips. Again, put them aside for later use.
Step Three
Peel and mince the 3 cloves of garlic. Introduce these ingredients to the onions and peppers.
Step Four
Heat the 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion, pepper, and garlic mixture. Season them with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir them well to ensure that they are thoroughly coated with oil.
Step Five
Cook the mixture until the vegetables are softened. This process will usually take around 10 minutes.
Step Six
Stir in the 1 tablespoon of Spanish paprika, and continue cooking for a further 2 minutes.
Step Seven
Next, pour in the 1/2 cup of dry white wine, and allow the mixture to simmer until the wine has almost completely evaporated.
Step Eight
The finishing touches involve adding the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and the zest and juice of 1 lemon into the pan.
Step Nine
Stir well to combine all of the ingredients, and then allow the stir fry to cook for a final 2 minutes before removing it from the heat.
Step Ten
Transfer the Spanish Onion and Bell Pepper Stir Fry to a serving dish, and then garnish with a little extra chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy your meal!
