Pittsburgh Friggione

Ingredients

In the Pittsburgh adaptation of Friggione, we introduce smoky bacon or ham to infuse the dish with a distinct Pittsburgh flavor. Additionally, a touch of brown sugar is added to balance the flavors and enhance the sweetness of the vegetables. The traditional Italian Friggione is often served as a side dish, but in the Pittsburgh version, it is transformed into a hearty main course by serving it over mashed potatoes or crusty bread. We alse have the original recipe for Friggione, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 4 slices of smoky bacon or ham, diced 4 slices of smoky bacon or ham, diced
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 large tomatoes, diced 4 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) brown sugar 1 tablespoon (15ml) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) smoked paprika 1 teaspoon (5ml) smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried thyme 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 12g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced bacon or ham and cook until crispy.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the pot and sauté until they begin to soften.
3. 3.
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes, brown sugar, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Pittsburgh Friggione over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon or ham — If you prefer a smokier flavor, opt for bacon. If you prefer a milder flavor, use ham instead. Make sure to dice the bacon or ham into small pieces for even distribution throughout the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or ham and add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preference. You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for extra variety.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.
• This dish can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs.

Serving advice

Serve the Pittsburgh Friggione as a main course over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty bread. The mashed potatoes will soak up the flavorful stew, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Pittsburgh Friggione with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a deep bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables and the rich texture of the stew.