Eggplant Caponata (Sicilian Version)

Description

Delicious relish or appetizer that can be served hot or cold! Serve with toasted crusty bread.

Ingredients

  • 1 eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • salt to taste
  • ¼ cup olive oil, divided
  • 1 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups canned plum tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
  • 12 green olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
  • 1 ½ tablespoons drained capers
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon minced oregano
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Toss eggplant with salt and place in a colander set over a bowl. Let sit
  2. about 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery; cook
  4. stirring often
  5. until softened
  6. about 4 minutes. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion is soft and lightly golden
  7. about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl using a slotted spoon.
  8. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in the skillet. Add eggplant and cook
  9. stirring constantly
  10. until lightly browned
  11. 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in celery mixture
  12. tomatoes
  13. olives
  14. capers
  15. tomato paste
  16. and oregano. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered until caponata is thickened
  17. about 15 minutes.
  18. Season caponata with vinegar
  19. sugar
  20. salt
  21. and black pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with parsley.

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 34 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 34 mins

Servings: 16

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