Sicilian Eggplant Caponata is a vibrant and tangy vegetable medley that perfectly captures the flavors of Sicily. This traditional dish features tender eggplant simmered with tomatoes, olives, capers, and a touch of sweetness from raisins or sugar, all balanced by a vinegar tang. Served warm or cold, caponata is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as an appetizer with crusty bread, as a topping for fish or chicken, or as a side dish. With its rich blend of sweet, salty, and sour flavors, Sicilian Eggplant Caponata is a mouthwatering addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or 1/4 cup raisins)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggplant: Salt the diced eggplant and let it sit in a colander for about 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Cook the Eggplant: In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant and cook until it’s golden brown and tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the eggplant from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Simmer the Caponata: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, olives, capers, red wine vinegar, sugar or raisins, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let the mixture cook for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked eggplant back into the pan and stir to combine. Let the mixture cook together for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread, over fish, or as a side dish.
Enjoy the rich, sweet, and tangy flavors of Sicilian Eggplant Caponata, a classic Mediterranean dish that’s sure to impress!
