Piperade facts for kids
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| Type | Vegetable stew |
|---|---|
| Course | Entrée or side dish |
| Place of origin | France and Spain |
| Region or state | Basque Country |
| Main ingredients | Onions, green peppers, tomatoes, red Espelette pepper |
Piperade (pronounced "pee-peh-RAHD") is a yummy and colorful dish that comes from the Basque Country. This special region is found in both France and Spain. Piperade is made mostly from fresh vegetables like onions, green peppers, and tomatoes. It gets its unique flavor from a special red pepper called Espelette pepper.
What is Piperade?
Piperade is a traditional Basque dish that's super popular in its home region. It's like a vegetable stew, but often served as a main meal or a tasty side dish. The name "Piperade" comes from the word piper, which means "pepper" in the local Gascon and Basque languages. This shows how important peppers are in this dish!
Ingredients and Colors
The main ingredients in Piperade are onions, green peppers, and tomatoes. These vegetables are usually cooked together until they are soft and flavorful. A key ingredient that gives Piperade its special kick is the red Espelette pepper. This pepper is grown in the Basque region and adds a mild, smoky spice.
It's a fun coincidence that the main colors of Piperade – red from tomatoes and Espelette peppers, green from green peppers, and white from onions – are the same colors as the Basque flag!
How is it Eaten?
Piperade can be enjoyed in many ways. Sometimes it's served as a main course, especially for a light meal. Other times, it's a delicious side dish that goes well with meat or fish.
People often add other ingredients to Piperade. A common addition is egg, which can be scrambled into the dish or fried and placed on top. Some recipes also include garlic for extra flavor or meats like ham to make it a heartier meal.
See also
In Spanish: Piperrada para niños
