Caponatina Siciliana (Eggplant, Olive, And Celery Appetizer)

Serves: 2

Ewell Douglas

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

53

Spice

54

Sweetness

54

Sourness

41

mins

Prep time (avg)

5.1

Difficulty

Ingredients:

2 large

Eggplant

2 cups

Water

2 cup

Olive Oil

2 large

Onion (sliced)

1 cup

Sugar

Directions:

1

Trim the eggplants, cut them into 1-inch cubes, and transfer them to a colander

2

Sprinkle with salt and let them stand for 30 minutes

3

Rinse, drain well, and pat dry

4

In a bowl, combine the black olives, green olives, and capers

5

Cover with warm water and let them plump for 20 minutes

6

Drain well

7

In a saucepan of boiling water, blanch the celery for 1 to 2 minutes, or until just tender

8

Drain and pat dry

9

In a large skillet set over moderately high heat, heat 3 tablespoons of the oil until hot

10

Add the eggplant in small batches and cook it, stirring occasionally and adding 3 to 4 tablespoons of water to prevent sticking, until just tender and golden brown

11

Transfer the fried eggplant to a bowl and, adding oil and water as needed, fry the remaining eggplant

12

Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet and heat until hot over moderate heat

13

Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, just until tender

14

Add the tomato sauce, 2 cups of water, the reserved eggplant, olives, capers, celery, and salt and pepper

15

Simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes

16

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and vinegar, stirring until dissolved

17

Add the sugar mixture to the eggplant mixture and stir to combine

18

Transfer the caponatina to a bowl, let it cool to room temperature, and chill it, covered, for 1 to 2 days to allow the flavors to blend