Sicilian Eggplant Caponata Recipe
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5.0
9 reviews
Excellent
Sicilian Eggplant Caponata Recipe
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Sicilian Eggplant Caponata Recipe (Easy)- Bursting with the bold flavors, vegetables, and aromas that define Mediterranean cuisine, this beloved Italian dish is wonderful for any occasion.
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Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants diced into small cubes
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2-3 stalks celery finely chopped
- ½ red bell pepper stemmed, seeded, and diced
- ½ cup green olives pitted and roughly chopped
- ¼ cup capers rinsed and drained
- 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice (preferably San Marzano)
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
- 3 tablespoons golden raisins
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh basil leaves torn, for garnish
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Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplant: Place the diced eggplant in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This helps to remove excess moisture and bitterness from the eggplant. After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Sauté the Eggplant: In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced eggplant and sauté until they are golden brown and tender. This might need to be done in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once cooked, remove the eggplant from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté until they are softened and slightly translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Flavorings: Add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the skillet. Stir in the green olives, capers, sugar, golden raisins, diced red bell pepper, and red wine vinegar. Allow the mixture to simmer over medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Eggplant and Sauce: Add the sautéed eggplant to the skillet with the sauce. Gently mix everything together and let it simmer for an additional 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a splash of water.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season the caponata with salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember that the olives and capers are already salty, so be cautious with the additional salt.
- Finish and Garnish: Once the caponata is cooked and the flavors have developed, remove it from the heat. Stir in the toasted pine nuts. Allow the caponata to cool to room temperature.
- Serve: Before serving, garnish the caponata with torn fresh basil leaves. Enjoy caponata as a standalone appetizer, a topping for crostini (small crust toasted bread slices), or a side dish with grilled meats or fish.
- Storage: Caponata tastes even better when allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight, giving the flavors time to meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Salting Eggplant: Salting and rinsing the diced eggplant helps reduce bitterness and excess moisture. Pat dry before sautéing.
- Golden Raisins: Add a touch of sweetness with golden raisins for a balanced flavor profile.
- Simmering Sauce: Allow the tomato-based sauce to simmer, letting flavors meld for a more delicious outcome.
- Make Ahead: Caponata tastes even better the next day, so prepare for enhanced flavors.
- Serving Temperature: Serve at room temperature, cold, or slightly warm for the best taste experience.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to customize by adding bell peppers or other veggies you enjoy.
- Salting Eggplant: Salting and rinsing the diced eggplant helps reduce bitterness and excess moisture. Pat dry before sautéing.
- Golden Raisins: Add a touch of sweetness with golden raisins for a balanced flavor profile.
- Simmering Sauce: Allow the tomato-based sauce to simmer, letting flavors meld for a more delicious outcome.
- Make Ahead: Caponata tastes even better the next day, so prepare for enhanced flavors.
- Serving Temperature: Serve at room temperature, cold, or slightly warm for the best taste experience.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to customize by adding bell peppers or other veggies you enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
314kcal
(16%)
Carbohydrates
35g
(12%)
Protein
5g
(10%)
Fat
20g
(31%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
4g
Monounsaturated Fat
11g
Sodium
592mg
(25%)
Potassium
806mg
(23%)
Fiber
10g
(40%)
Sugar
23g
(46%)
Vitamin A
693IU
(14%)
Vitamin C
28mg
(31%)
Calcium
60mg
(6%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4-6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 314 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 314kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Sodium | 592mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 806mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 10g | 40% |
| Sugar | 23g | 46% |
| Vitamin A | 693IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 28mg | 31% |
| Calcium | 60mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
9 reviews
Excellent
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