Eggplant Caponata
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins
author: Olivia Mesquita
course: Appetizer
cuisine: Italian
The classic Sicilian Eggplant Caponata is the perfect party appetizer and it can be made ahead! Vibrant and colorful, this version is a veggie lover's dream and contains roasted – almost caramelized – veggies, tomatoes and olives.
- 3 large eggplants (about 4 1/2 pounds), thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into strips
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sherry vinegar
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14-ounce) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup pitted green olives
Preheat oven to 400ºF.
Combine the sliced eggplants, bell peppers and onions in a large baking sheet. Drizzle the vinegar, 1 cup olive oil and season with the salt, oregano and pepper. Using your hands, or kitchen tongs, toss everything together so the vegetables are all coated.
Roast for 45 minutes, toss and continue roasting until the vegetables are caramelized, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
While the vegetables are roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan, over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and reserve.
Once the vegetables are done, transfer to a serving dish and toss with the reserved tomatoes and olives.
You can serve immediately but it tastes better after 1-2 days in the fridge.
Make ahead:
Eggplant caponata tastes better if made up to 2 days ahead. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Leftovers:
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container or mason jar for 5-7 days.
Variations:
These are some popular add-ins:
- capers
- pine nuts or walnuts
- celery
- carrots
- chopped fresh herbs, like parsley, basil or mint
Calories: 504kcal, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 40g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 29g, Sodium: 840mg, Potassium: 1202mg, Fiber: 14g, Sugar: 19g, Vitamin A: 1051IU, Vitamin C: 96mg, Calcium: 94mg, Iron: 3mg
Author: Olivia Mesquita
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian