Best 3 Sicilian Caponata Recipes

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**A Culinary Journey to Sicily: Discover the Sweet and Savory Symphony of Caponata**

Embark on a tantalizing culinary adventure to the heart of Sicily, where flavors dance and traditions come alive. Caponata, a quintessential Sicilian dish, captures the essence of the region's rich culinary heritage. This symphony of flavors, textures, and colors is a delightful balance of sweet and savory, a testament to the island's bountiful produce and vibrant culinary spirit. Join us as we explore the delightful journey of Caponata, from its origins to the diverse variations that reflect the unique character of Sicilian cuisine. Discover the authentic recipes that unveil the secrets of this beloved dish, ranging from the classic Eggplant Caponata to innovative takes that showcase the versatility of this culinary treasure. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Sicily through the exquisite journey of Caponata.

**Recipes Included:**

1. **Classic Eggplant Caponata:** Dive into the heart of Sicilian tradition with this timeless recipe. Tender eggplant takes center stage, complemented by a symphony of sweet and savory ingredients like celery, onions, capers, and plump raisins. Experience the perfect harmony of flavors as you savor each bite.

2. **Red Pepper Caponata:** Embark on a vibrant adventure with this captivating variation. Roasted red peppers bring a delightful smoky sweetness, while the addition of sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts adds layers of complexity. Prepare to be mesmerized by the vibrant colors and bold flavors of this unique Caponata.

3. **Zucchini Caponata:** Discover a refreshing twist on the classic with this zucchini-centric Caponata. Fresh zucchini, with its delicate texture, pairs wonderfully with the tangy marinade and aromatic herbs. Get ready for a delightful burst of flavors that will leave you craving more.

4. **Fish Caponata:** Embark on a culinary voyage where seafood meets the charm of Caponata. This innovative recipe features tender fish fillets enveloped in a flavorful Caponata sauce. Prepare to be amazed by the harmonious blend of textures and the delightful interplay of flavors.

5. **Sweet and Sour Caponata:** Indulge in a delightful paradox of flavors with this Sweet and Sour Caponata. A symphony of sweet and tangy notes dances on your palate, thanks to the addition of honey, vinegar, and a touch of cinnamon. Get ready for a captivating culinary experience that will leave you craving more.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

CAPONATA RECIPE | AUTHENTIC SICILIAN VERSION



Caponata Recipe | Authentic Sicilian Version image

Caponata recipe is a simple vegetable stew, an easy recipe for a summer appetizer or a typical Sicilian side dish, made mainly with eggplant, celery, capers, olives, pine nuts, tomato passata (in many recipes you can find tomato concentrate) and finally vinegar and sugar, to give this Sicilian dish the typical sweet and sour taste.

Provided by Silvana Nava

Categories     side dish

Time 1h40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 kg (2.2 lb) of eggplants (about 3 large)
1 large white onion (about 150 g / 5 oz)
300 g (10 oz) of celery ribs
100 g (3.5 oz) of salted capers
200 g (7 oz) of green pitted olives
50 g (1,7 oz) of pine nuts
150 ml of tomato passata
300 g (10 oz) of oil for frying
4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
60 g (2 oz) of white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons of sugar
coarse salt
fine salt and pepper

Steps:

  • cut the eggplats into small cubes
  • clean the onion and slice it
  • Cut the celery into cubes and cook them for 5 minutes
  • Desalt the capers
  • Toast the pine nuts
  • in a bowl mix vinegar with sugar
  • fry the eggplants for a few minutes
  • In a large saucepan, sauté the onion until soft and golden
  • add celery, capers, olives, pine nuts and tomato passata
  • Stir, cover with the lid and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
  • Finally add the sweet-sour sauce
  • Turn off the heat and add the fried eggplants

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 100 g, Calories 89 calories

EGGPLANT CAPONATA (SICILIAN VERSION)



Eggplant Caponata (Sicilian Version) image

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

Provided by rocks_67

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Antipasto Recipes

Time 1h34m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 16

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

Steps:

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

Nutrition Facts : Calories 54.3 calories, Carbohydrate 4.9 g, Fat 3.9 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 297 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

SICILIAN CAPONATA



Sicilian Caponata image

Literally sweet and sour mediterranean vegetables. It's really important to sweat the initial stuff gently in a covered saucepan over a low heat for around 7-10 minutes. Also you do need to drain the tomatoes well and squeeze out most of the juice. It's vital you use good quality tinned tomatoes (ones from Italy are usually the best). This is deceptively tasty for such a simple dish, Absolutely fantastic with say grilled swordfish or BBQ lamb cutlets. Try this out it really is a magic recipe and one of those unbeatable combination of flavours from Italy.Keeps well refrigerated for a couple of days. Great for dinner parties as it go so well with meat or seafood, does not need heating and can be prepared well ahead of time. I've used it over the years in a number of restaurants where I've cooked.

Provided by Chef Leo H

Categories     Vegetable

Time 50m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 large celery rib
1 large Spanish onion (Purple Skin)
1 medium eggplant
2 garlic cloves
200 g green olives, pitted and halved
180 g pine nuts, toasted
1 (400 g) can peeled tomatoes
1/2 bunch fresh sweet basil
2 tablespoons white sugar
100 ml red wine vinegar
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
frying oil

Steps:

  • Drain tomatoes into a colander squeeze out juice with your hands and leave to drain. Cut onion and celery into a large dice (about 1/2cm) and slice garlic finely (use a mandoline if required). Saute gently in about 4 Tablespoons of olive oil in a covered pot for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile cut the egg plant into a large dice (about 1cm). Deep fry egg plant in batches until golden and set aside to cool. It's vital to get it golden brown. Mix together sauteed onion mixture, tomato pulp, fried eggplant and everything else with about 2 more tablespoons of olive oil. Mix in ripped basil leaves before serving. Best eaten at room temperature or slightly warm but do not boil or oils will separate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 436, Fat 39.5, SaturatedFat 4.1, Sodium 535.7, Carbohydrate 20.2, Fiber 6.7, Sugar 10.6, Protein 6.4

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe vegetables.
  • If you can't find capers, you can substitute green olives.
  • To make the caponata ahead of time, cook it according to the recipe and then let it cool completely. Store the caponata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Caponata can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a main course.

Conclusion:

Sicilian caponata is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With its sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, caponata is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting recipe to try, give Sicilian caponata a try. You won't be disappointed!

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