Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia is a savory, rustic dish that’s a cross between a pancake and a flatbread. It’s made with a simple batter, loaded with bell peppers and onions, and baked until golden and crispy. Here’s how to make this delicious Italian classic:
Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Batter:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 2 large bell peppers (mixed colors), thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or large ovenproof skillet with olive oil.
- Prepare the batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth. The batter should be thin, like pancake batter.
- Prepare the vegetables:
- In a separate bowl, toss the sliced bell peppers, onion, minced garlic, oregano (or thyme), and red pepper flakes (if using) with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Assemble the scarpaccia:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the vegetable mixture evenly over the top, pressing them lightly into the batter.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy, and the center is set.
- Serve:
- Let the scarpaccia cool slightly before slicing. Drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Add cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella over the top before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Customize the veggies: Add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or olives for extra flavor.
- Make it ahead: Scarpaccia can be made a few hours in advance and reheated before serving.
Enjoy this Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia—it’s a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal! Let me know if you’d like more Italian-inspired recipes. 😊