Description
Italian Bell Pepper and Onion Scarpaccia is a savory vegetable-based flatbread baked to golden perfection. This rustic Tuscan dish features thinly sliced red onions and colorful bell peppers suspended in a seasoned cornmeal and all-purpose flour batter, baked until crisp on the edges and tender inside. Perfect as a light main course or an appetizer, it offers vibrant flavors and a delightful texture with a crispy top and soft vegetable medley.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons cornmeal, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 5 small or 2 large red onions, cut into thin strips
- 2 large bell peppers (any color), cut into thin strips
Liquids
- 3/4 cup water
- Olive oil, to taste (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Line a large baking pan with parchment paper and sprinkle it lightly with additional cornmeal to prevent sticking and add texture. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and dried thyme. Season the mixture evenly with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Vegetables: Add the thinly sliced red onions and bell peppers into the dry mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until the vegetables are well coated with the flour and cornmeal blend.
- Add Water: Gradually pour in the water while mixing continuously to create a thick, cohesive batter that holds the vegetables evenly.
- Spread Batter: Transfer the batter onto the prepared pan. Using a spatula or your hands, spread and gently pat it into a thin, uniform layer ensuring even thickness throughout for consistent baking.
- Drizzle Olive Oil and Season: Drizzle the top generously with olive oil to encourage browning and a crispy crust. Sprinkle additional salt and a light dusting of cornmeal over the top for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the top is golden brown and edges appear crisp and slightly caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes. Slice into pieces and serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or light main dish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend appropriate for baking.
- The type and color of bell peppers can be varied to add different flavors and colors to the dish.
- Letting the scarpaccia cool slightly helps it set and improves slicing without crumbling.
- Extra olive oil can be drizzled on top before serving for added richness.
- This dish pairs well with a green salad or a light tomato-based side.