Prep the Ingredients
Start by washing the bell peppers and cutting them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes. Cut them into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Cook the Peppers
Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until they start to soften.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning
Stir in the diced tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) along with the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The peppers should be tender and the flavors well combined.
Incorporate Rice or Quinoa (Optional)
If you’re using rice or quinoa, stir it into the pepper mixture and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This adds a nice texture and makes the dish more filling.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If it feels too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it up.
Serve
Once everything is cooked through and flavors are melded, remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.