Mediterranean Eggplant Caponata Delight
Indulge in the rich and robust flavors of this Mediterranean Eggplant Caponata Delight, a traditional Italian appetizer that enchants taste buds with its harmonious blend of savory and sweet notes. Packed with tender eggplants, vibrant peppers, caramelized onions, and a luscious thick sauce, this dish is incredibly versatile. Whether served warm alongside crusty Italian bread, as a delightful topping on your favorite pasta, or chilled and tossed as a refreshing salad, each bite offers a taste of the sun-kissed groves of Italy. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, this caponata is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
6
Servings
150
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
as needed (for sautéing)
Eggplants
2 large or 4 small (small dice, skin on (peeling optional if skin is tough))
Red pepper
1 large (small dice)
Green pepper
1 medium (small dice)
Red onions
2 medium (small dice)
Garlic
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Capers
4 tablespoons total (divided (2 chopped, 2 whole))
Anchovy fillets
6 (minced (optional))
Balsamic vinaigrette
1 cup (for flavor balance)
Brown sugar
3/4 cup (for sweetness)
Tomato puree
3/4 cup (to create sauce)
Fresh basil
1 bunch (chiffonade)
Oregano
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Salt and pepper
to taste
Red wine vinegar
1/2 cup (for acidity)
Pitted green olives
1 cup (often jarred, stuffed with pimentos)
Instructions
1
In a large sauté pan, heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil over medium heat, allowing the eggplant to absorb the oil perfectly.
2
Working in small batches, add the diced eggplant to the hot oil and sauté until golden brown and tender. Transfer the cooked eggplant to a stainless steel bowl.
3
If desired, peel the eggplant if the skin is particularly tough or stringy, though cooking with skin adds color and texture.
4
In the same pan, add additional olive oil if needed and sauté the diced red and green peppers until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the sautéed peppers to the bowl with the eggplant.
5
Next, cook the diced red onions and chopped garlic in the same pan, stirring until the onions are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
6
Sprinkle in the brown sugar and red wine vinegar, stirring to combine, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until bubbly.
7
Incorporate the tomato puree and sliced green olives, stirring until the mixture forms a thick, rich, sweet and sour sauce; cook for another 5 minutes.
8
Pour this sauce over the bowl of eggplant and peppers, gently tossing to ensure everything is well coated.
9
Finally, add the chopped capers, minced anchovies (if using), chiffonade basil, and oregano, mixing thoroughly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
10
Serve warm or at room temperature with slices of fresh crusty Italian bread. This caponata is also delightful served hot over pasta or chilled as a salad.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
20g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Eggplant Caponata Delight?
It is a traditional Italian appetizer featuring a harmonious blend of savory and sweet notes with tender eggplants, peppers, and a rich sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this caponata?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, if you omit the optional anchovy fillets, this dish is vegan-friendly.
Do I need to peel the eggplant before cooking?
Peeling is optional; leaving the skin on adds color and texture, but you may peel it if the skin is particularly tough.
What is the primary oil used for sautéing?
Olive oil is used to sauté the eggplant and vegetables.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, it can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled as a salad.
How should I cut the eggplant?
The eggplant should be prepared with a small dice.
What type of vinegar is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses both red wine vinegar and balsamic vinaigrette.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are 8 grams of fat per serving.
What ingredients create the sweet and sour sauce?
The sauce is formed by combining brown sugar, red wine vinegar, tomato puree, and olives.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of chopped garlic.
What kind of olives are recommended?
Pitted green olives, specifically those often jarred and stuffed with pimentos, are recommended.
How should the fresh basil be prepared?
The fresh basil should be cut into a chiffonade.
Can this caponata be used as a pasta topping?
Yes, it is delightful when served hot over your favorite pasta.
How long should I sauté the peppers?
The red and green peppers should be sautéed for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are soft.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 20 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
There are 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
Fresh basil and 2 tablespoons of chopped oregano are used.
How many capers are needed in total?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of capers total, divided between chopped and whole.
What are the suggested bread pairings?
It is best served with slices of fresh, crusty Italian bread.
Are there any optional ingredients?
Yes, minced anchovy fillets and peeling the eggplant are optional.
How many eggplants are required?
You will need 2 large or 4 small eggplants.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total.
How should the eggplant be sautéed?
It should be sautéed in small batches in hot olive oil until golden brown and tender.
What type of onions are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 2 medium red onions, finely diced.
When should the capers and herbs be added?
They should be added at the final step, after the sauce has been tossed with the eggplant and peppers.
How much brown sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of brown sugar to provide sweetness.
What gives the caponata its thick texture?
The combination of tomato puree, caramelized onions, and the absorption of oil by the eggplant creates a luscious thick sauce.
Is this a good dish for social gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for parties or casual gatherings.