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Eggplant caponata

Caponata

Authentic Sicilian Caponata is a vibrant eggplant dish that combines sweet, sour, and savory flavors in true Mediterranean style. Made with eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, olives, capers, raisins, and pine nuts, this versatile recipe can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or light vegetarian main. Perfect for summer gatherings and even better the next day!
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
resting time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 24 minutes
Course: Appetizer, bruschetta topping, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword: Caponata, Eggplant, Eggplant Caponata
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 184kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound eggplant
  • ½ pound bell pepper
  • 4 oz tomatoes
  • 3 oz olives green
  • 1.5 oz raisin
  • 1 oz pine nuts
  • ½ cup onion red
  • ¼ cup celery
  • 1 tbsp capers
  • 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 3 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 sprig basil
  • 3 tbsp parsley finely chopped

Instructions

  • Prepare the eggplant – Dice the eggplant, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit in a colander for 20–30 minutes to remove excess moisture and bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.
  • Fry the eggplant – Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Pan fry the eggplant cubes until golden and tender. Remove and set aside.
  • Cook the bell peppers– In the same pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté bell pepper, cut in cubes. Remove and set aside.
  • Prepare the base: Add onion, celery and cook until softened.
  • Add flavorings – Stir in pine nuts, olives, raisins, capers and pine nuts. Let it cook a few minutes and then add the tomatoes. Cook them until softened. Return the eggplant and the bell pepper to the pan.
  • Finish with agrodolce – Add vinegar and sugar (if using). Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes, letting the vinegar evaporate slightly. Adjust seasoning. Add the the parsley and the basil. Adjust with salt and pepper.
  • Rest and serve – Let the Caponata cool to room temperature before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Sodium: 269mg | Potassium: 434mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1622IU | Vitamin C: 57mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg
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