Home Recipes Starters Caponata

Caponata

Rate this item
(0 votes)
Caponata

 MAKE 8-10  SERVINGS

- Olive or canola oil for frying
- 2 eggplants (aubergines), about 1 Ib (500 g) each, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes
- 2 red or yellow beli peppers (capsicums), seeded and cut into 1/2-inch (12-mm) squares
- 2 large yellow onions, cut into 1/2-inch (12-mm) cubes
- 3 tender inner celery stalks, sliced
- 3 ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup (5 oz/155 g) chopped pitted green olives
- 1/3 cup (2 oz/60 g) raisins
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Sea salt
- 1/4 cup (1 oz/30 g) sliced (flaked) almonds, toasted
- Crusty Italian bread or focaccia, for serving

Caponata, an iconic antipasto of Sicily, has Arabic origins, as evidenced by its use of eggplant, aimonds, and sweet-and-sour seasoning. Such influences are not uncommon in Sicily, once
a crossroads of many cultures. This is a good make-ahead dish for entertaining, as the flavors improve if allowed to meld overnight. Although traditionally served at room temperature, it can also be served warm as a side dish to grilled fish or poultry.



Pour the olive oil to a depth of 1/2 inch (12 mm) into a deep, heavy frying pan and piace over medium heat until hot. The oil is ready when an eggplant cube dropped into it sizzles on impact. Line a large platter or tray with paper towels and set it next to the stove.
Working in batches, carefully arrange the eggplant cubes in the pan in a single layer, being careful not to crowd them. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is tender and browned, 7-8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to the towel-lined platter to drain. Repeat with the remaining eggplant.
When ali of the eggplant has been cooked, fry the beli peppers in the same way unti! tender and lightly browned, 4-6 minutes, and then drain on paper towels as well. Finally, fry the onions and celery together in the same way until tender and golden, 7-8 minutes, and drain on paper towels.
In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the tomatoes, olives, raisins, capers, sugar, and vinegar. Stir well and add the fried vegetables and a pinch of salt. Cover partially and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, about 20 minutes. Add a little water if the mixture begins to dry out. Remove from the heat, transfer to a serving dish, and let cool to room temperature. If time permits, cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to marry; bring to room temperature before serving.
Just before serving, sprinkle the aimonds over the top. Serve with slices of crusty bread or focaccia.

Buon appetito!

 

 

Additional Info

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Region: Sicilia
Read 329 times |
Published in Starters
Tagged under
Social sharing

Related items (by tag)

More in this category: « Salt cod salad Eggplant parmesan »

7 comments

  • Comment Link tiffany and co Saturday, 17 March 2012 03:11 posted by tiffany and co

    The best tiffany sale site online

    tiffany and co
    tiffany keys

    welcome to my site

    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • Comment Link Louis Vuitton outlet Friday, 16 March 2012 06:46 posted by Louis Vuitton outlet

    Your article is very interesting, very rich in contents, give me a lot of inspiration, hope to see more of your wonderful article, thank you

    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • Comment Link Burberry Sale Friday, 16 March 2012 06:42 posted by Burberry Sale

    It is wonderful for your artice. Thank you. Wish you have a good day.

    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • Comment Link Burberry Sale Friday, 16 March 2012 06:39 posted by Burberry Sale

    It is wonderful for your artice. Thank you. Wish you have a good day.

    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • Comment Link Louis vuitton uk Friday, 16 March 2012 06:03 posted by Louis vuitton uk

    Thank you for your website, your web site for me are of great help.

    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • Comment Link louis vuitton uk Thursday, 08 March 2012 07:40 posted by louis vuitton uk

    Welcome to my site, there are your favorite louis vuitton handbag .

    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • Comment Link Chanel Online Shop Wednesday, 07 March 2012 03:47 posted by Chanel Online Shop

    A Chanel handbags outlet filled with a person's daily life, like Chanel handbags outlet will be a long time to use the classic cheap Chanel bags online but also even a collection of things.

    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Add comment


back to top

Recipes Archive

EASY HOTELSBooking


Tag Cloud

artichokes balsamic vinegar basil beans biga bread campania chicken stock eggs emilia romagna firenze florence focaccia garlic gelato grill lazio liguria lombardy madre minestrone mother dough osso buco pancetta pane parmigiano reggiano pasta pasta techniques pecorino romano pesto piedmont pizza polenta puglia ricotta risotto sicilia sicily sicily spaghetti spinach starter dough tomato toscana toscana tuscany tuscany veneto venezia wine
You are here:Starters»Caponata