top of page

Caponata di Melanzane | Authentic Italian Eggplant Recipe

  • Writer: Pasta Grammar
    Pasta Grammar
  • Aug 14, 2022
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 18, 2023

There are many caponata recipes in Italy, but this is our favorite way to make the classic eggplant dish. Its sweet and sour flavor is incredibly deep and complex. This is a great side dish to make ahead for a meal the next day, as it is ideally served after a night in the fridge.


caponata-siciliana-recipe-eggplant-italian-sicilian-italy-sicily-celery-ricetta-best-delicious
Caponata Siciliana | Authentic Italian Eggplant Caponata Recipe

Watch the Pasta Grammar video where we make this recipe here:




Serves 3-4.


For this recipe, you will need:

  • 1/4 cup (40g) raisins

  • 1 large eggplant, chopped into 1/2-inch cubes

  • Frying oil (preferably olive, but vegetable oil will work)

  • 4 tbsp pine nuts

  • 3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 red onion, sliced thin

  • 2 stalks celery, chopped

  • 10-15 large green olives, pitted and halved (kalamata olives also work well)

  • 2 tbsp capers

  • 4 vine tomatoes, quartered

  • Salt

  • 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine vinegar

  • 1 1/2 tbsp sugar

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • Fresh basil


Place the raisins in a small dish and submerge them in water. Allow them to soak while you fry the eggplant.


Fill a deep pan with about 3 inches of frying oil. Bring it up to medium heat while you cut the eggplant into 1-inch cubes. The oil is hot enough when you can drop in a piece of eggplant and it begins to bubble and fry immediately.


ree

Working in batches if necessary, carefully drop the eggplant chunks into the oil and fry, stirring frequently, until they are lightly browned on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel to drain.


ree


Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium/high heat for just a minute or two, stirring or tossing them constantly. Set aside for later. Also drain the raisins.


ree

Add the olive oil and onion into a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté until the onion has tenderized a bit, then stir in the celery, olives, capers, raisins and pine nuts. Cook these together, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes before adding the tomatoes.


Salt to taste, lower the heat, and cover the pan. Cook at a gentle simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If necessary, add a little bit of water if the caponata dries out too much and risks burning.


ree

Meanwhile, combine the vinegar, sugar and tomato paste in a cup and stir all together. After the caponata has cooked for 30 minutes, add the vinegar mixture. Raise the heat, bring it to a brisk simmer, and stir all together for 2-3 minutes. Salt it to taste as it cooks. If you like, you can pick out and discard the tomato skins.


Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the fried eggplant and a few leaves of torn basil. Let the caponata cool completely before serving. Better yet, refrigerate it over night and serve it the next day.


ree

Buon appetito!





49 Comments


Masuma Masu
Masuma Masu
Jul 24

10cric has established itself as a reliable name in the world of online sports betting and casino games in India. The platform creates a safe and thrilling space for real money gaming. New users can easily log into their accounts via the 10cric login It boasts fantastic features like live cricket betting, a variety of slots, and virtual games. If you want to game on the go, be sure to download the 10cric app! With fast withdrawals and round-the-clock support, 10cric really sets itself apart.

Find out more by visiting: https://10crics.net.in/ 


Like

RuthikA KunaL
RuthikA KunaL
Jul 19

I’ve used Play99exch for a few weeks now, and the experience has been decent. The Play99exch Login is super fast and doesn’t ask for too much info. Play99 Exch has a clean layout, and placing bets is straightforward. However, the support response was a bit slow when I had a question. I’d recommend Play 99 Exch to casual users but not for high-stake betting yet.Needs a little improvement, but overall not bad.

To know more visit : https://play99exch.net.in/


Like

Akas Kahn
Akas Kahn
Jul 03

ReddyBook is a trusted online platform that offers a seamless experience in sports betting, casino gaming, and online entertainment. Designed for both beginners and experienced users, ReddyBook provides a secure and user-friendly environment where players can enjoy a wide variety of games and real-time betting opportunities.


Visit now- https://thereddybook.org/


Like

PhunjaN KridhA
PhunjaN KridhA
Jun 30

I recently jumped on board with Sky Exchange, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the adventure! The sky exchange login process was a breeze—literally took just a minute, and everything ran like clockwork from there. I’ve mainly been into cricket betting, but I’m also really enjoying the live casino games. It’s super easy to use and doesn’t lag at all. I’d definitely recommend it to my friends who are into online gaming!

To learn more visit : https://skyexchangein.in/


Like

KishA BharI
KishA BharI
Jun 30

I've played a bunch of online games, but the aviator game really stands out to me. With its user-friendly navigation and thrilling rounds, it never gets dull.The aviator game login gives quick access to live rounds and exciting multipliers. Plus, the live crash stats and auto cash-out features add a whole new layer of strategy. You did a fantastic job explaining it here!

To learn more, visit: https://aviatorgame.solutions/


Like
bottom of page