Trattoria La Siciliana: Recipe

Trattoria La Siciliana: Recipe | restaurant info | reviews |

Recipe Chef: Rosa, Jerry, Angelo D'Alo
Recipe Name: Caponata: Sicilian Eggplant Relish
Type of Cuisine: Rustic Country Italian
Food Category: Appetizer or Side Dish

Recipe Description:
In Sicilian-Italian cuisine, this dish is really called Melenzane alla Caponata (Eggplant Caponata).

Serves: 4

Ingredients:
3 globe eggplants
1 celery stalk
1 white onion, sliced
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
4 ounces imported capers
4 ounces kalamata olives, pitted
4 ounces diced fresh tomatoes
1 bunch basil, chopped
2 tablespons salt
2 tablspoons pepper

Preparation:

1. Cut the eggplant into two-inch cubes and fry it until it is cooked through. Set aside. Next, cut the celery into one-inch pieces and boil them for 7 minutes.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the sliced onions in two tablespoons of the vegetable oil. When the onions are translucent, add the red wine vinegar. Let the vinegar evaporate and then add the sugar. Next, add the capers, olives, basil, tomatoes cooked celery, salt, and pepper.

3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and then add the fried eggplant. Cook for another five minutes and serve.

Serving Suggestions:

In Sicily, this is one of the most common dishes as an appetizer or even as a side dish. It is usually served cold but at times it can be served hot.

Beverage Suggestions:

A good semi dry red wine from Sicily, like Nero D'Avola.