Sweet Pepper and Fig Peperonata

Ingredients

• 12 dried black Mission figs, halved lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 assorted bell peppers, sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 1 red onion, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 large garlic clove, smashed
• 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
• One 2-inch strip of lemon zest
• Salt
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 thyme sprig
• 2 tablespoons chopped basil
• 1 teaspoon chopped marjoram

Steps

1. In a shallow bowl, toss the figs with 1 tablespoon of the balsamic vinegar.
2. In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the bell peppers, onion, garlic, cinnamon and lemon zest, season with salt and cook over moderately high heat for 3 minutes. Add the wine and cook for 1 minute. Add the water and thyme, cover and cook until the peppers are tender, 10 minutes. Add the figs and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Discard the garlic, cinnamon, lemon zest and thyme. Transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly, then stir in the basil, marjoram and the remaining 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of oil. Season with salt. Serve warm or at room temperature.