Vegetarian bell peppers recipe on creamy Polenta

My family loves this vegetarian red bell peppers recipe: Braised Bell Peppers and Onions served over creamy polenta! It’s a vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a quick family meal ❤️.

Polenta Recipe
SternShiba

 Polenta Recipe – the Ingredients

Here’s an overview of the ingredients. As always, you’ll find the exact measurements at the bottom in the recipe card.

  • Cornmeal for the polenta: Prepare the polenta according to the package instructions, or check out my detailed polenta recipe.
  • Vegetable broth: Instead of water, I like to use broth—it adds more flavor.
  • Butter: For a vegan option, you can also use olive oil.
  • Parmesan (optional) to taste.
  • Salt & a little nutmeg to taste
Polenta Recipe
SternShiba

 Bell Pepper and Onion – the ingredients

Here’s an overview of the ingredients. As always, you’ll find the exact measurements at the bottom in the recipe card.

  • Olive oil for sautéing (plus a little more for serving)
  • Red bell pepper (cut into strips)
  • Onions (sliced)
  • Garlic
  • Pomegranate syrup (or balsamic cream as an alternative)
  • Capers
  • Fresh basil
  • Salt, pepper, chili flakes
  • Toasted pine nuts
Polenta Recipe

Bell Peppers Recipe – Step-by-step instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare the polenta. Cook the polenta according to the package directions or follow my polenta recipe to make it especially creamy and delicate in flavor.
  • Step 2: Sauté the onions. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic and onions and let them cook over medium heat until golden brown and tender (about 10–15 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  • Step 3: Cook the bell peppers Add a little olive oil if needed. Add the bell pepper strips to the pan and let them simmer over medium heat until tender.
  • Step 4: Combine everything and season. Return the onions to the pan. Stir in the pomegranate syrup and capers, let the mixture simmer gently (about 5 minutes), and season to taste with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Fold in the fresh basil leaves.
  • Step 5: Plating. Spoon the creamy polenta onto plates, top with the bell pepper and onion mixture, and drizzle with a little olive oil. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and serve immediately.
Polenta Recipe
SternShiba

FAQ About the Recipe

  • Can I prepare the bell pepper and onion stir-fry ahead of time?
    Yes, it’s easy to prepare in advance and reheat in a pan before serving—perfect for stress-free evenings.
  • How do I make this dish vegan?
    Just leave out the Parmesan and butter from the polenta, or replace them with a plant-based alternative.
  • Which type of polenta works best?
    Fine cornmeal gives this dish a particularly creamy texture and pairs perfectly with it. Plus, it’s ready in just a few minutes—perfect when you’re in a hurry.
Polenta Recipe
SternShiba

Why you should try this recipe:

  • Quick & easy: Ready in just 45 minutes—perfect for stress-free evenings.
  • Aromatic & sophisticated: The combination of sweet bell peppers, braised onions, and capers is a true taste experience.
  • Family-friendly: A light yet filling dish that everyone—young and old—will love.
  • Vegetarian & versatile: Perfect as a main course or as a side dish with salads.
  • A visual highlight: With bright red bell peppers and fresh basil, it’s an eye-catcher on every plate.
  • Easy to prepare: Both the polenta and the sautéed bell peppers can be prepared in advance.
Polenta Recipe
SternShiba

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Polenta Recipe
SternShiba

More similar recipes from me

If you like my mint lemonade , I have 3 more great breakfast recipes for you here. I’m sure you’ll like these, too:

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Unbenanntes Projekt 23
Polenta Recipe

Vegetarian Bell Peppers recipe on Creamy Polenta

This pan-sautéed dish of bell peppers and onions served over creamy polenta is a flavorful vegetarian meal and the perfect family dinner. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a simple, comforting meal that’s subtly enhanced with capers, pomegranate syrup, and fresh basil.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Other 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Family Recipes, Vegan Recipes, Vegetarian dishes, Vegetarian Recipes
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 1538

Ingredients
  

For the polenta:
  • 250  g Polenta
  • 1.5  l Vegetable broth
  • 30  g Butter
  • 2  tbsp Parmesan optional
  • Salt to taste
For the braised bell pepper and onion dish:
  • Olive oil for sautéing plus a little extra for serving
  • 5 red peppers cut into strips
  • 2 large onions cut into strips
  • 2 Garlic cloves completely or slightly pressed down
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes (approx. 250g)
  • 2  tbsp Pomegranate syrup or balsamic cream
  • 3  tbsp Capers
  • 1 handful of fresh basil leaves
  • Salt, pepper, chili flakes to taste
  • 1 handful of toasted pine nuts

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic and onions and sauté over medium heat until golden brown and tender (about 10–15 minutes). Then remove them and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, cook the polenta in the vegetable broth according to the package directions. Finally, stir in butter and, if desired, Parmesan cheese, and season with salt to taste. Keep warm.
  3. If necessary, add a little more olive oil. Add the bell pepper strips to the pan and cook over medium heat until tender (about 10 minutes).
  4. Return the onions to the pan. Add the chopped tomatoes, pomegranate syrup, and capers; mix gently and simmer for 5–7 minutes with the lid off. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and chili flakes, then fold in the basil.
  5. Spoon the creamy polenta onto plates. Top with the bell pepper and onion mixture, drizzle with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 1538kcalCarbohydrates: 131gProtein: 25gFat: 95gSaturated Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 0.3mgSodium: 63814mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 9gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 138IUCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg

Notes

  • For a vegan version, replace the Parmesan in the polenta with a plant-based alternative or omit it.
  • Perfect as a main course or as a side dish with a fresh green salad.
  • Both the polenta and the bell pepper and onion stir-fry can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving.

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Shiba from Shibas Kittchen

Hi, I’m Shiba

I’m glad you’re here. My dishes are very much inspired by the cooking skills of my mother, who comes from Pakistan. I also present Palestinian dishes that I learned about from my husband’s family. So you’ll find lots of dishes from 1001 nights here!

I hope you enjoy browsing and cooking.

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