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Traditional Sicilian Caponata

Sicilian · Appetizer · Side · Main

A classic Sicilian vegetable medley featuring tender fried eggplant, celery, and onions simmered in a signature sweet and sour tomato sauce with briny olives and capers.

IntermediateVeganVegetarian
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Traditional Sicilian Caponata — recipe cover
45 minA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time15 min
Cook time30 min
Servings4 people
DifficultyIntermediate
Let's make something good

How to make it

5 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Heat half of the olive oil

    Heat half of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed eggplant in batches and fry until golden brown and tender. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain.

    12 min
  2. Add the remaining oil

    In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté the chopped onion and celery until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

    7 min
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, olives, capers, and pine nuts

    Stir in the minced garlic, olives, capers, and pine nuts. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

    2 min
  4. Add the tomato sauce, red wine vinegar, and sugar

    Add the tomato sauce, red wine vinegar, and sugar. Return the fried eggplant to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.

  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer

    Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the eggplant to absorb the flavors.

    15 min

A little kitchen wisdom

Caponata is best served at room temperature or chilled the next day to allow the flavors to meld. Traditionally, it is served as an antipasto or a side dish for grilled meats.

What you'll need

Large skilletPaper towelsChef knife
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

Caponata tastes better after resting. Can be made 24 hours in advance.

Store & enjoy

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Best served at room temperature or gently warmed on the stovetop.

Allergens

Contains tree nuts.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Traditional Sicilian Caponata
Step 1 of 5

Heat half of the olive oil

Heat half of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed eggplant in batches and fry until golden brown and tender. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain.

12 min