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Italian 30 min Easy
Caponata
Sweet-and-sour Sicilian aubergine relish.
Origin & Story
Caponata is a Sicilian sweet-and-sour aubergine dish, balancing vinegar and a touch of sugar. It is served warm or cold as a starter or side.
Main Spices & Their Role
Black pepper
Seasons the vegetables.
Oregano
Adds a herby note.
Ingredients
- 1 aubergine, cubed
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- Handful olives & capers
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- Salt
Method
- 01
Fry the aubergine in olive oil until golden; set aside.
- 02
Soften onion and celery in the same pan.
- 03
Add tomatoes, olives and capers; simmer 10 minutes.
- 04
Return the aubergine, then add vinegar and sugar.
- 05
Cook 5 minutes more and serve warm or cold.
Veg & Vegan Alternatives
Vegetarian
This dish is already vegetarian.
Vegan
Already vegetarian and vegan — cook in oil (not ghee/butter) to keep it fully plant-based.