Sicilian Caponata
Caponata alla siciliana is a real south Italian classic! Showcasing some of the best local ingredients, aubergines (eggplant), capers and basil.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 200kcal
- 500 g Aubergines eggplant
- 100 g Celery
- 50 g Red onion
- 30 ml Olive oil
- 25 ml White vinegar
- 20 g Sultanas
- 20 g Pine nuts
- 20 g Tomato paste
- 10 g Capers
- 10 g Sugar
- 5 g Basil leaves
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Partially peal the aubergines (eggplant) using a potato peeler, leaving some of the skin on. This will speed up the cooking process but retaining the shape and texture. Then cut into cubes of roughly 2 cm.
Pour the oil in a frying pan (skillet), heat it up and carefully place the cubed aubergines inside. Season slightly with salt. Cook steering occasionally for 10 minutes.
By now the aubergines should start to soften and colour, add the chopped onions and cook for a further 5 minutes.
Add the sliced celery, capers, sultana and pine nuts and cook for a further 5 minutes
Add the tomato paste and sugar, steer well, then pour the vinegar, live to cook for one more minute, before removing from the heat.
Finish with the fresh basil leaves, adjust the seasoning and serve or let it cool and store in an airtight container.
HINT AND TIPS:
Always opt for smaller aubergines, because they are less spongy and therefore will absorb less oil.
I like to use apple vinegar for this recipe, it seams to work better then wine vinegar.
Allergens: SULPHITES, NUTS, CELERY suitable for vegetarian and vegan.
Sicilian Caponata is an awesome side dish, so versatile tasty and so simple to make.
It holds a punch of flavour and is robust enough to be served as a vegetable stew with rice, or as a side for roasted chicken lamb and fish.
Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 5g