Caponata Siciliana
A classic Sicilian sweet and sour vegetable relish (agrodolce), featuring tender eggplant, crisp celery, briny capers, and olives, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Best served at room temperature.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 large (about 1 kg total) Eggplant
- 4 stalks Celery
- 120 ml Olive oil(for frying, plus extra for sautéing)
- 1 medium Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 400 g Tomatoes
- 3 tbsp Capers
- 100 g Green olives
- 3 tbsp Red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sugar(adjust to taste for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the eggplant: Place the cubed eggplant in a colander, sprinkle generously with salt, and let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. Rinse the eggplant cubes thoroughly under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good texture and preventing oil absorption.
⏱️ 30 minutes (resting time) - 2
Fry the eggplant: Heat about 60ml of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (around 180°C / 350°F). Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, fry the eggplant cubes until golden brown and tender on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the fried eggplant with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Add more oil as needed for subsequent batches.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 3
Sauté the celery and aromatics: In the same skillet (drain excess oil if necessary, leaving about 2 tbsp), add the chopped celery and sauté over medium heat until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 10-12 minutes - 4
Simmer the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or passata) and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the rinsed and chopped capers and the halved green olives. Stir well to combine.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Combine and finish: Gently fold the fried eggplant cubes into the tomato mixture. Stir in the red wine vinegar and sugar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the caponata simmer gently, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. The vegetables should be tender but not mushy.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 6
Cool and serve: Remove the caponata from the heat and let it cool completely to room temperature. The flavors develop significantly as it cools. For best results, refrigerate for at least a few hours or preferably overnight before serving. Garnish with fresh basil just before serving, if desired.
⏱️ Minimum 2 hours (cooling/chilling)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Caponata is best made a day in advance to allow the flavors to fully meld.
- ✓Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled, not hot.
- ✓Adjust the sugar and vinegar to achieve your preferred sweet and sour balance.
- ✓Ensure eggplant is thoroughly dried after rinsing to prevent oil splattering and achieve crispier results.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch.
- Include a handful of raisins (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes before adding) for extra sweetness.
- Some recipes include diced bell peppers (red or green) sautéed with the celery and onion.