Spaghetti with Crispy Peppers and Breadcrumbs
- Easy
- 30 min
Peperoni con la mollica is a fantastic dish that totally captures the heart of Southern Italian cuisine. Picture this: bell peppers with breadcrumbs mingling with garlic and pecorino cheese. It’s quick, it’s delicious, and it’s pan-cooked—what more could you want? Seriously good stuff. Across Puglia and Sicily, this dish is a hit, with each family adding their own twist. The real star? The soft and juicy peppers that soak up all that toasted breadcrumb and savory cheese goodness. Some folks toss in capers for a little zesty surprise—really, it works! Depending on where you are, you might get a crunchy breadcrumb topping or even a sprinkle of pine nuts or raisins for some flair.
And look, Peperoni con la mollica shows off how amazing simple, fresh ingredients can be. In Southern Italy, it’s more than just a traditional side dish for meat or fish—it can totally steal the spotlight at any appetizer spread. While some people are trying modern methods like air-frying or baking, the classic pan-fried version? Can't go wrong. It's got that crispy breadcrumb and sweet roasted pepper combo that’s really really good. Perfect for sopping up with crusty bread. No wonder Italian bell pepper recipes like this are a smash at family gatherings, parties, or even weekday lunches.
For those into Sicilian flavors, diving into other Sicilian pepper recipes is a must. Especially those with sweet-and-sour vibes or oven-roasted twists. Whatever version you go for, this Mediterranean veggie dish stays simple yet super tasty. With all these options, you'll keep coming back again and again—no shortage of ways to enjoy its tasty flavors. Whether it’s the centerpiece or just a side, Peperoni con la mollica proves the beauty and adaptability of Southern Italian cooking.
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To prepare peppers with breadcrumbs, wash and dry the peppers well, cut them in half, remove the stem and internal seeds, then cut them into strips 1 inch wide 1. Cook the peppers in a pot with plenty of extra virgin olive oil for 15-20 minutes 2. Meanwhile, prepare the breadcrumb mixture: use a mixer to grind the stale bread 3,
then transfer it to a bowl and add the grated pecorino cheese 4, the capers 5, one clove of minced garlic 6 and
the oregano 7. Mix well to combine all the ingredients, then add the mixture to the peppers 8 and cook for 20 minutes over medium heat, covering with a lid. When the peppers are almost ready, remove the lid and let everything cook, increasing the heat to toast the bread 9. The peppers with breadcrumbs are ready: let them cool slightly and serve as a side dish or a tasty appetizer; they are also excellent served cold.