Caponata is a Sicilian eggplant (aubergine) relish and has been around since the 1700’s. It’s usually served as a side dish or appetizer. Many Caponata variations contain celery but celery is not common in Southern Italy. What’s more likely is that the celery is a substitute for fennel. Some of Italy’s cooking stems from specialties brought to Rome by Jews taken as slaves after Israel’s destruction. Aubergines are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. For more health benefits of the aubergine, click here.

Serves 4
recipe adapted from BBC Food

4 medium aubergines, chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper
3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 onion, chopped
2 celery sticks, chopped
400g (14oz.) chopped tomatoes
100g (3½oz.) green olives, pitted and sliced
3 tbsp capers, drained and chopped
30ml (1oz.) red wine vinegar
1½ tbsp sugar or to taste
handful Italian parsley, chopped
extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Sprinkle the aubergines with salt and leave to drain in a colander for 30 minutes.
Heat some of the olive oil in a saucepan and brown the aubergine on a moderate heat for 10 minutes. When cooked, set aside and allow to cool to room temperature.
In a separate saucepan, heat the remaining olive oil and sauté the onion along with the celery and tomatoes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the olives and cook for 20 minutes. Add the cooled aubergine and the capers.

In a separate bowl, mix together the red wine vinegar and sugar. Add this to the pan and cook for 10 minutes. It is ready when the red wine vinegar has been absorbed. Transfer to a large bowl, add the chopped parsley and mix well. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil to serve. Serve hot or cold.

The Culinary Chase’s Note: This recipe makes quite a bit but don’t worry, because it keeps for several days in the fridge and I find that the flavor improves with time. I like to serve it on top of wholewheat crackers, garlic toasts, crostinis or toasted pita bread. Try combining it with pasta for a quick meal.