Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 large sweet bell peppers (red, orange, and/or yellow), stemmed, cored, seeded, and sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
Oils & Vinegars
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Seasonings & Herbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Peppers: Remove the stem, core, and seeds from the bell peppers, then slice them lengthwise into thin strips. Set aside.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they become very soft and golden, about 7 to 8 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and continue cooking. Stir occasionally until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn a rich golden brown, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add Peppers: Incorporate the sliced peppers into the pan and season again with salt and pepper. Cook while stirring frequently until the peppers soften, about 6 minutes.
- Add Balsamic Vinegar and Simmer: Pour in the balsamic vinegar, cover the pan, and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, stirring every minute or so to blend the flavors and ensure even cooking.
- Reduce and Finish Cooking: Remove the lid and continue cooking, stirring often for 2 to 3 minutes longer. This step allows the peppers to become sweet and very tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Transfer the sautéed peppers, mushrooms, and onions to a large serving bowl, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve family-style as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- You can use any combination of bell peppers based on color preference for a more vibrant dish.
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
- Serve this dish alongside grilled meats, as a topping for toasted bread, or mixed into pasta for a vegetarian meal.
- Ensure to stir frequently after adding the balsamic vinegar to prevent burning and encourage even flavor distribution.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian