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eggplant caponata served

Italian Eggplant Caponata Recipe

  • Author: Tomi
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Here’s a beautifully formatted recipe card for Eggplant Caponata, inspired by the traditional Sicilian dish. This sweet-and-sour vegetable medley is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or topping for crostini.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large eggplants, diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced thin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (or 2 large fresh tomatoes, chopped)
  • 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for roasting)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste


Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine raisins, sherry vinegar, and capers. Let sit to soften.
  • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add onion and celery; cook for 8 minutes until softened.
  • Add red bell pepper and salt; cook until tender, about 8 minutes.
  • Stir in tomato paste and grated garlic; cook for 1 minute.
  • Add diced tomatoes and sugar; cook for 8 minutes until tomatoes break down.
  • Stir in roasted eggplant, raisins with vinegar, capers, and black pepper.
  • Cook for 5 more minutes.
  • Stir in chopped parsley.
  • Allow to cool to room temperature.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

  • Caponata improves in flavor after a day or two.
  • Serve as a topping for grilled meats or pasta.
  • Customize with pine nuts or red bell pepper for added texture and flavor